Chi Nguyen
Spadina—Harbourfront, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Canada's housing market is going through a period of adjustment, but that does not change the reality that we are facing a structural housing supply shortage. Our government has been clear: We will build more homes faster and more boldly.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North . I rise today in the chamber in support of Bill C-26 , an act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the consolidated revenue fund for the purpose of improving housing supply.”
“In the greater Toronto area, new home sales fell to just over 5,300 units in 2025, which is the lowest level in more than 45 years. That slowdown has already led to job losses in the skilled trades and construction sector. These are the very workers Canada needs if we are going to build the houses people are counting on.”
“They share public space, rely on transit, walk to work, gather in parks, hang out at STACKT market, the Waterworks Food Hall, One Love market, Sugar Beach or The Island Cafe, and build community in ways that are deeply urban and deeply Canadian. In my riding, I see the beauty and possibility of density every day.”
“Ontario's removal of the full 13% HST for eligible buyers of new homes valued up to $1 million, for one year from April 2026 to March 2027, is one example of what this kind of partnership can make possible. Through Bill C-26 , our government has agreed to cover the 5% federal portion of that HST relief.”
“We could live in communities with less sprawl, stronger transit and more vibrant main streets. Vertical living can work when we plan for people instead of units. We see examples of this across our community.”
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“We are also working alongside the province and the City of Toronto to jointly fund the waterfront east transit, because building transit requires collaboration across all levels of government. These projects are a critical component to connecting our community and linking residents in Spadina—Harbourfront and beyond to their jobs, families and homes. Toronto's tourism sector has welcomed more than 28 million visitors, spending $9 billion in our city. With FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, Toronto, and in particular Spadina—Harbourfront, will welcome even more visitors. In fact, all six Ontario matches will be hosted on the vibrant waterfront in Spadina—Harbourfront. Toronto has a proud record of hosting international sporting events, from the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup to the 2015 Pan Am Games.”
“These kinds of spaces encourage people to stay longer, explore different parts of the waterfront, support nearby businesses and experience Toronto in a more connected and meaningful way. Transit is not a luxury. It shapes people's quality of life and whether parents can make it home in time to see their kids before bed. Transit shapes access to jobs, education, health care and opportunity. Strong public transit systems are one of the ways we make cities more affordable, more connected and more livable. This is why our government continues to invest in critical transit projects such as the Ontario line. Once it is complete, Spadina—Harbourfront will be home to five Ontario line stations: Exhibition, King West, Chinatown, Osgoode and Queen.”
“As Toronto continues to grow, protecting and investing in these public spaces will only become more important, not only for tourism and economic development, but for quality of life and the sense of connection people feel to the communities they call home. I want to speak specifically about The Bentway, because it reflects what strong public infrastructure can look like when we invest in community space with intention. What was once underutilized space beneath the Gardiner Expressway has been transformed into a destination that draws residents and visitors year-round through public art, cultural programming, recreation and community events. Today, The Bentway is a place where people skate in the winter, check out contemporary art and connect with friends and neighbours.”
“(1340) For many residents in downtown Toronto, public space matters deeply because not everyone has access to a backyard, access to green space or even room to gather with family and friends. That is why spaces like the Bathurst Quay Common, the Toronto Islands, Love Park, Sugar Beach, Fort York, Little Norway Park, Ireland Park, Coronation Park, Trillium Park, Canoe Landing and The Bentway are so important. These are places where people build community, where children play, where families gather, where cultural events take place and where residents reconnect with the city and waterfront around them. They are also important economic and tourism assets for Toronto. Thoughtful public infrastructure attracts visitors, supports local businesses, encourages investment and strengthens the vibrancy of our downtown core.”
“Last week, I was pleased to join an announcement with the Secretary of State for Sport at Harbourfront Centre, recognizing it as one of the 25 community mini-pitch projects across Canada aimed at increasing sport participation among children and youth. Watching kids immediately run onto the pitch and neighbours stopping to connect with one another was a reminder that investments in community space have a real impact on people's lives every day. This project builds on the investments outlined in the spring economic statement, including $660 million over five years with ongoing funding to strengthen community sport and create more opportunities for Canadians, especially children and youth, to participate, to connect and to thrive.”
“Our government is also launching the build communities strong fund, a $51‑billion investment to strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life in communities across Canada. We are moving beyond concrete and construction to build communities where people actually feel a sense of belonging. In my riding, we see that every day in places like Harbourfront Centre, spaces that have become gathering points for our city, where families attend festivals, young people take part in sports and recreation, artists share their work and residents reconnect with public space along Toronto's waterfront.”
“We know solving the housing crisis requires us to build differently and to build faster. That is why investments in modular and factory-built housing are so important. Canadians do not want endless debates about housing; they want homes built. Our government will be accelerating over $7 billion in low-cost loans through the apartment construction loan program to help build up to 16,500 new rental homes. Projects could include major waterfront and downtown developments, such as Quayside, which will help unlock new housing supply where it is needed most. In a community like Spadina—Harbourfront, where density is high and 57% of residents are renters, this investment will make a meaningful difference, helping more people find a place they can afford to call home.”
“Our government is focused on building a strong and resilient economy that keeps Canadians financially secure and ensures that no one is left behind. This is why the measures in the spring economic statement matter. I also hear from small business owners across Spadina—Harbourfront who are trying to keep their doors open while navigating rising operating costs, staffing pressures and economic uncertainty. Whether it is a café like Ivy on Queens Quay or a food truck operator at Street Eats at Sugar Beach, local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. When we invest in transit, public infrastructure, tourism, housing, arts and culture, and vibrant public spaces, we are also investing in the local economies that those businesses rely on every single day.”
“They are asking for a fair shot at opportunities to improve their lives. In a city like Toronto, that pressure shows up everywhere. It shows up in the student working two jobs while trying to finish school. It shows up in the parent deciding between child care costs and rent. It shows up in seniors stretching fixed incomes further every month. It shows up in young professionals who thought they were doing everything right but still feel like stability keeps moving further out of reach. Everyone wants to know that if they work hard, then they can afford a home, raise a family, get a good-paying job and remain in the communities they love. Strengthening our economy requires hard work and must never come at the expense of Canadians. Now more than ever, Canadians need our support.”
“Over the last few months, I have spent a lot of time in community centres, town halls, small businesses, school gyms and on the doorsteps of Spadina—Harbourfront. No matter where the conversation starts, it almost always comes back to the same thing: People are worried about whether life in the city is becoming unaffordable for ordinary people. A few weeks ago, I spoke with a young woman in my riding who wants to build her future here. She told me she has done everything she was told to do. She has worked hard, gone to school, built a career and taken care of her family, but she cannot imagine ever owning a home in the city where she has grown up. She told me that she does not need luxury and just wants stability. That feeling resonates with a lot of Canadians right now. People are not asking for miracles.”
“We have delivered historic federal investments in transit, housing, infrastructure and waterfront revitalization, including over $40 million for Harbourfront Centre and a tri-government commitment of roughly $1 billion for each level of government to the waterfront east transit project. These are investments in how people move through the city, where they live, how communities stay connected and whether families can continue to build a future in Toronto. Through the spring economic statement and budget 2025, our government is continuing to make targeted investments that strengthen communities, support local economies and help Canadians navigate a highly competitive and uncertain global economy with great stability and opportunity.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians are living through a moment of real uncertainty. Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, communities are anxious about economic instability and people want to know the government has their back and is prepared to step up and invest in the future of our country. At a time like this, we cannot afford to pull back from our cities. We need to invest in them. This is exactly what our government has been doing. Toronto's 23 Liberal members of Parliament have been strong advocates for this city because we understand how important Toronto is to Canada's economic and cultural future, and our record reflects that.”
“These organizations deliver essential services, create jobs, build local economies and drive social resilience. When non-profits thrive, communities grow stronger, our economy grows stronger and Canada prospers. I invite all colleagues to join me this evening at Imagine Canada's reception to celebrate this vital sector. The sector's work strengthens our communities from coast to coast to coast.”
“Mr. Speaker, from food banks and employment training to health services and community support, Canada's non-profit and charitable sector supports people every single day. When families need help, when young people need opportunity and when communities need connection, this sector is the first place that Canadians turn to. Canada's non-profit and charitable sector generates $244 billion in annual economic activity, contributes 8.4% of our GDP and employs nearly three million people across this country. These organizations are not only community builders, they are major economic drivers. In Spadina—Harbourfront, we are proud to be home to organizations like FORA: Network for Change, Movember, Eva's Initiatives, the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, TakingITGlobal, the Casa Foundation and many more.”
“This sector contributes $131 billion to Canada's economy and supports more than one million jobs. This week, I invite all members to celebrate World Theatre Week, visit a local theatre and go see a show.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of World Theatre Week, organized by the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and celebrated around the world, culminating in World Theatre Day on March 27, 2026. Spadina—Harbourfront and Toronto's downtown are home to a vibrant theatre community, including Jumblies; Factory Theatre; the Mirvish theatres, the Royal Alex and the Princess of Wales; and the soon-to-be-open Corleck building, among others. At a time when questions of identity and culture matter, telling our own stories in our own voices is essential to preserving Canada's cultural sovereignty. Canada is home to hundreds of theatres in every province and territory, from coast to coast to coast. From small community stages to major performing arts institutions, they play a critical role in our arts and culture sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, my riding has a lot of multi-unit residential buildings, and I am wondering if my colleague could talk a bit about how we are looking toward the future and to future-proofing the auto sector by thinking about what we need in terms of moving toward electrification.”
“Our work to continue opening doors for women must go on. Canada is better when more young women can see themselves not only in these halls but at every table where decisions are made. Happy International Women's Day.”
“Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago for International Women's Day, 12 students from McGill University walked up to Parliament to shadow and learn from women parliamentarians. Yesterday, we welcomed 85 students from McGill, Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Ottawa to this chamber to shadow women parliamentarians across party lines. Women in House has now welcomed more than 5,000 young women to Parliament, who have moved on to careers in public service, advocacy and, yes, even politics. Women have long led efforts to advance policies that address social and economic challenges. A powerful example of this is our government's $10-a-day child care, which is reshaping how we think about economic resilience and growth. Despite this incredible progress, Canada still ranks 73rd in the world for women's political representation.”
“As a proud daughter of this community, I remain deeply grateful to the generations whose sacrifices made greater representation possible. May this new year bring happiness, health and prosperity. Chúc mung năm moi.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we welcome the Lunar New Year, I send my warmest greetings to the Vietnamese Canadian community and to everyone celebrating across my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. The year of the horse calls us forward with energy, renewal and perseverance. It is a time to gather with family, honour our elders and reflect values such as resilience, generosity, learning and service. In recent weeks, I have had the privilege of celebrating with Vietnamese communities, from the Vietnamese Association of Toronto and the Vietnamese Women's Association of Toronto to the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre's Lunar New Year celebrations and Small World Music's Chao Tet festival. Each gathering reflects the pride, strength and cultural richness that Vietnamese Canadians bring to our country.”
“Bill C-227 would enhance that effort by ensuring young Canadians are not an afterthought but a focus of our plan. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and vote in favour of Bill C-227 .”
“When it is unstable, everything else becomes unstable too, especially for young people who are trying to establish themselves. The government is building Canada strong by recognizing housing as essential infrastructure. Bill C-227 builds on that momentum, recognizing that young Canadians face unique barriers in today's housing market and that meeting those challenges requires coordination, data and long-term planning. The evidence is clear. Addressing housing affordability strengthens our economy, boosts productivity and creates opportunities. Housing insecurity and instability carry real social costs, especially for women and those seeking safety, dignity and independence. Through Build Canada Homes, our government is acting to scale what we know works.”
“This would create real opportunities for young Canadians, not only to find housing that meets their needs in the short term but to build the conditions for home ownership in the future. By easing the costs faced by non-market builders, Build Canada Homes would increase supply of deeply affordable housing, help cool an overheated market where these housing options have not been sufficiently built and ensure that housing policy once again works in the public interest. By establishing a national housing strategy for young Canadians, as Bill C-227 seeks to do, the purpose and impact of Build Canada Homes becomes sharper and stronger, ensuring that federal investments deliver real, generational impact for Canada's young people. Housing is foundational.”
“Establishing a national housing strategy for young Canadians would ensure that federal housing policy responds not only to market pressures but to the social realities that shape young people's lives. The economic and social benefit of government action to address affordability is clear, and our government understands that. With the launch of Build Canada Homes, the federal government is taking decisive steps to accelerate the construction of affordable housing at scale through a single, streamlined agency. By financing and prioritizing non-profit housing, including transitional, supportive, co-operative and affordable housing, the federal government would be ending a decades-long retreat from building homes that Canadians can truly afford.”
“For young women in particular, the shortage of accessible options, whether it is emergency shelters, transitional housing, co-operative housing or affordable units, can carry serious safety implications. Without safe and affordable alternatives, some young women cannot leave unsafe and unhealthy living situations. Some remain trapped in abusive relationships simply because they have nowhere else to go. This is why housing is about far more than affordability alone. It is about safety, it is about dignity, and it is about security. (1755) A national housing strategy for young Canadians must also reflect this reality. Housing lives at the intersection of personal autonomy and personal security, and this must find its way into our legislation. This is precisely why Bill C-227 is so important.”
“A 2024 report from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found addressing housing unaffordability could generate $24.4 billion in additional disposable income, increase our GDP by $22 billion and create 189,000 jobs, while delivering $5 billion in new tax revenue. These are real, tangible benefits for young Canadians and our entire economy. When housing instability begins to shape who can move, who can work and who can plan for their future, it stops being only an economic problem and becomes a social one with real consequences for safety, autonomy and equality. Let us be clear. Housing insecurity is not gender-neutral. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has reported that women are more likely to experience acute housing need, and those rates are higher for racialized women.”
“As I knock on doors in my riding, I hear the same message again and again. Young people and young families want to stay in the communities they love. They want to build their careers here, raise their children here and remain close to the networks and supports that make urban life possible. However, the homes we build must reflect the lives people are trying to live. We cannot keep building cities as if they are only for singles and short-term renters. If we want young Canadians to put down roots, our housing supply must include family-friendly homes that make long-term life in our downtowns possible. The ripple effects are obvious: lower productivity and economic growth, and decreased well-being, both over the short and long term of one's life. The economic case is just as compelling.”
“A national housing strategy for young Canadians that meaningfully considers co-operative housing alongside student housing, purpose-built rentals and pathways for first-time buyers is not just sensible; it is long overdue. As serious as our government is about building homes, we must also be serious about building the right mix of homes, so young people can actually afford to live in the communities they study in, work in and help to build. Why is this overdue? It is because our young people today face a housing affordability crisis unlike any generation since the post-war period. For far too many, home ownership is out of reach. Even securing a stable, affordable rental has become a challenge. When young people cannot afford housing or cannot move for housing, the consequences extend far beyond shelter.”
“Co-operatives like Harbour Channel Housing Co-operative and Arcadia Housing Co-op, in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront, are thriving waterfront communities, where residents share governance, build strong neighbour-to-neighbour support systems and access stable, below-market housing in one of the most expensive areas of our country. These homes have allowed families, seniors, newcomers and young people to remain in the downtown core for decades. They stand as powerful examples of the type of housing enabled by legislation such as this. The fact that these communities are still thriving today is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate public investment and long-term thinking. The challenge we now face is not a lack of what works, but a failure to scale it for a new generation of Canadians.”
“We have reshaped the Toronto skyline, bringing more people closer to jobs, transit and community. We have created opportunities for young people to live near where they work, study and build their lives. This growth has not come without pressures, but it offers important lessons for the national housing conversation we have been having over the past several years. One of these lessons is the vital role that non-market housing, particularly co-operative housing, plays in keeping communities livable and inclusive, especially for young and low-income households.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-227 , an act to establish a national strategy on housing for young Canadians, introduced by the member for Sackville—Bedford—Preston . I represent Spadina—Harbourfront, one of the most densely populated ridings in the country and one of the youngest. In fact, I want to thank my youth council, which is meeting for the first time this evening back in the riding. According to the 2021 census, 94% of homes in my riding are in buildings with five or more storeys. Our median age is just 32 years old, nearly a decade younger than the national average. Over the past few decades, Spadina—Harbourfront has been transformed with rapid growth, bringing thousands of young people to live, work, play and build their futures in the heart of our city.”
“When I think of my own children, I am reminded that the decisions we make in this chamber reach into people's lives at their most fragile moments. Bill C-222 would ensure that when families face the unthinkable, our systems can respond with care and not further complication. For these reasons, I urge all members to support Bill C-222.”
“I have been encouraged by the broad, cross-party support for this legislation. This is not a partisan issue. This is about shared values of empathy, fairness and respect for families. It is also a reminder that Parliament can come together to fix systems when we see that they are causing harm. I do believe, though, that a broader conversation about how we can modernize employment insurance and caregiving supports is needed. However, Evan's law is about acting now, where we can, to prevent harm that is both clear and avoidable. Protecting families in moments of vulnerability is one of the most serious responsibilities we hold as legislators. When we see that rules cause harm, even unintentionally, we have a duty to change it. This bill would remove unnecessary bureaucracy.”
“No parent should have to prove their grief to the government. This is the gap that Bill C-222 addresses. The bill would amend the Employment Insurance Act so that parents receiving EI benefits to care for a newborn or an adopted child remain eligible for those benefits even if their child dies during the benefit period. It would also amend the Canada Labour Code to ensure that parents remain entitled to maternity or parental leave without interruption in the event of a child's death. This is a simple, compassionate fix. It would allow parents to grieve without administrative burden, prevent unnecessary clawbacks and streamline government processes without increasing overall costs. Most importantly, it would treat all families, birth parents, adoptive parents and same-sex parents, with dignity and respect.”
“When that loss occurs, the role of government must be clear, to support families and not to burden them. This is something all members can agree on in this chamber. Each year in Canada, thousands of families experience this unimaginable loss. In 2023 alone, more than 3,200 child deaths were reported, over half involving infants under the age of one, with many occurring in the first month of life. Under our current rules, while EI maternity benefits continue following the loss of a child, recognizing the physical and emotional recovery from childbirth, parental benefits stop immediately when a child dies. The only alternative is to reapply for EI, a process that involves new applications, medical documentation and biweekly reporting that forces parents to repeatedly confirm their loss.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-222 , the relieving grieving parents of an administrative burden act. First, l would like to acknowledge and thank the hon. member for Burnaby North—Seymour for bringing this bill forward. The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. lt is a loss that reshapes a family forever. ln those moments, parents deserve compassion, stability, space to grieve and time. What they do not deserve is confusion, paperwork and bureaucracy. As a mother of two young boys, I know how completely children shape our lives. They give us our responsibility, our purpose and our deepest vulnerabilities. Parenthood opens us up to extraordinary love, while also reminding us how fragile life can be.”
“Mr. Speaker, gender-based violence remains a serious concern in communities across Canada, including in my community of Spadina—Harbourfront. Survivors have been clear about the need for a justice system that better understands the realities of coercive control, intimidation, harassment and repeat harms. The protecting victims act, Bill C-16 , responds directly to these concerns. Could the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime explain how Bill C-16 , the protecting victims act, advances our efforts to address gender-based violence and better protect survivors within the criminal justice system?”
“Mr. Speaker, last week I joined hundreds of residents from across my riding to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the lighting of our 33-foot tree in the community square at Harbourfront Centre. Harbourfront Centre and the public spaces around it are vital gathering places. They bring people together and create a sense of belonging in vertical neighbourhoods like mine. Even in a fast-paced city, these traditions remind us that community is still at the heart of who we are in Spadina—Harbourfront. The holiday season offers a moment to pause and reflect, and to recognize the diversity and resilience of our communities, especially after a year marked by global economic shocks and challenges felt by many. As we look to the new year, let us carry forward a spirit of hope, generosity and determination.”
“Volunteering strengthens belonging, reduces social isolation, builds lifelong skills and weaves together a stronger community fabric. It reminds us that we coexist and we thrive together. Even a few hours can make a real difference for the volunteers and the organizations that receive their support. On this Giving Tuesday, and throughout the holiday season, I encourage Canadians to give what they can, and even more importantly, to give their time, when possible.”
“Mr. Speaker, today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity and community, an opportunity to reflect on local needs, support important causes and give through donations or volunteering. Volunteering is how we learn about ourselves and the world. It is woven into who we are as Canadians, and we are people who care. According to the “World Giving Index”, Canada ranks 11th for generosity, yet Volunteer Canada and Statistics Canada report a decades-long decline in volunteer hours and participation. This matters because organizations, such as United Way Greater Toronto, The Neighbourhood Group, Scadding Court Community Centre and Crossroads International, rely on volunteers to deliver essential supports to our most vulnerable.”
“Protecting women is not a partisan issue, and we will continue to work with survivors, communities and all levels of government to ensure targeted, evidence-based reforms.”
“That is why our government will be proposing targeted amendments to ensure victims are not captured under the first-degree murder clause, to modernize the seized property regime and to avoid unworkable bail measures. The government can support meaningful reforms that would actually enhance protection for survivors while maintaining charter-compliant, evidence-based policy. These reforms will be grounded in evidence developed in close consultation with provinces and territories, ensuring that the law is informed by those who administer justice and by those who experience abuse first hand. Our government, with the largest women's caucus in Canadian history, is committed to making Canada safer and protecting victims of IPV.”
“Rather than enhancing safety, it could silence the very voices we are trying to empower. We must ensure that our reforms protect victims, not punish them. We must build laws that reflect reality and not just react to it. Collaboration across party lines on intimate partner violence is not only important; it is critical. If we are serious about reducing the violence that affects women, children, families and communities, then we must work together with determination. In that spirit, our government intends to put forward amendments that strengthen this bill, not to dismiss its intent but to ensure that it truly protects survivors and does not unintentionally criminalize them. Criminal law must reflect the full spectrum of intimate partner violence, including coercive control, ongoing patterns of abuse and physical assault.”
“Under the proposed framework, she notes, “ A victim who left marks on their attacker by biting or scratching them while they were being strangled would be charged with a crime against an intimate partner, just like a controlling and violent spouse.” This means that a victim acting in self-defence while fighting for her life could be charged in the same way as the perpetrator. These concerns show why simply duplicating offences or automatically classifying all intimate partner violence as first-degree murder fails to reflect the full spectrum of intimate partner violence, especially those rooted in coercive and controlling behaviour. Rather than protecting survivors, it risks criminalizing them. Tather than bringing justice, it risks retraumatizing them.”
“In her testimony, Madam Riendeau shared, “On the one hand, Bill C‑225 simply repeats most offences and places them in a context of intimate partner violence. That maintains the logic of isolated incidents, which wouldn't be the case if there were instead an offence of coercive control.” In other words, rather than recognizing ongoing patterns of abuse, this bill would maintain a narrow, incident-focused view of violence. That approach fails to capture the lived realities of survivors. She went on to warn of another troubling impact of the bill.”
“Through the national action plan to end gender-based violence, we have invested more than half a billion dollars, $539 million, which is flowing directly to provinces and territories. Importantly, at least 25% of that funding is specifically dedicated to education and prevention initiatives, because protecting survivors means not just responding to violence after it happens but also working to prevent it before it occurs. I recently participated, as part of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, in its study of gender-based violence, femicides and section 810 of the Criminal Code. Expert witnesses, such as Louise Riendeau from the Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale, shared some important concerns about Bill C-225 as it is currently written.”
“She reminds us that protection is not just about reacting; it is also about recognizing early warning signs, intervening sooner and ensuring that survivors know they are not alone. (1125) Another survivor, Attiya Khan, has challenged Canada to rethink how we talk about intimate partner violence, so it is centred not only on punishment but on healing, accountability, prevention and survivor empowerment. While there are many contributing factors to intimate partner violence, we know this for sure: It must end. Real progress comes through prevention, capacity building, early intervention and strong supports. There is much work ahead, but the government's commitment is unwavering. We are doing the work outside of legislative reforms.”
“Real reform must reflect lived realities and address the root causes of violence, not just its outcomes. It means building on the excellent work of organizations like Next Gen Men, which promotes emotionally supportive and positive masculinity, challenging the harmful gender norms that often drive violence. It also means addressing socio-economic conditions like poverty, financial dependence and housing insecurity that keep too many victims trapped in cycles of abuse. Experts like Julie Lalonde have told us that intimate partner violence is not limited to physical harm. Her work on coercive control, stalking and bystander intervention has helped shape national conversations about how violence often begins before it becomes visible.”
“Criminal law must reflect the full spectrum of intimate partner violence, including coercive control, psychological manipulation, economic abuse and the pervasive cycles of fear and entrapment that survivors experience. That is why our upcoming intimate partner violence reforms would be targeted, trauma-informed and grounded in the voices of the people who experience abuse first-hand and of those who work directly on the front lines. IPV is complex. It cannot be adequately addressed through isolated or symbolic amendments but must be addressed through meaningful and modernized legal reforms that truly protect survivors and hold abusers accountable. A survivor-led approach is essential. Survivors have told us that punitive measures alone do not necessarily create safety and in some cases can create risk.”