Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to work toward ending gender-based violence by continuing investments in the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (NAP). The promise emphasized supporting victims and survivors, preventing violence, and prioritizing Indigenous-led approaches in partnership. It also highlighted the heightened risks for racialized women and those in rural and remote communities, stressing that national safety requires protecting all Canadians regardless of identity or location.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in March 2025, the Carney government has made some funding announcements related to gender-based violence initiatives. In March 2025, the government allocated more than $17.5 million over five years for 13 projects focused on preventing family and gender-based violence, aligning with efforts to support victims and prevent violence. Additionally, in April 2025, a $5.1 million agreement between the federal and Nova Scotia governments funded 28 projects under the NAP, targeting community organizations combating domestic violence. These steps demonstrate continued investments in the NAP and support for victims and survivors.

Regarding prevention, the federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy, which underpins the NAP, continues to organize initiatives across pillars including prevention, support for survivors, and responsive legal systems. The government has also issued statements urging collective action to end gender-based violence, such as a November 2024 call to "Come Together, Act Now," though this predates Carney's tenure but has been maintained.

Focus on Indigenous-Led Approaches and Vulnerable Groups

The promise specifically called for prioritizing Indigenous-led approaches in partnership. While no major new Indigenous-specific initiatives have been announced under Carney, existing NAP elements build on partnerships with Indigenous organizations. For instance, calls from groups like the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs in June 2025 urged Carney to declare gender-based violence a national epidemic, referencing the six-year anniversary of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The government has not yet acted on this declaration, but ongoing funding supports Indigenous-led prevention efforts.

On addressing higher rates of violence for racialized women and those in rural and remote areas, territorial ministers in July 2025 requested six years of full funding for the NAP amid federal spending reductions, highlighting the needs of remote communities. Some funded projects, like those in Nova Scotia, extend to rural areas, but advocates note that broader cuts risk undermining these priorities.

Legislation and Policy Changes

No new legislation specifically tied to the NAP has been proposed or passed under Carney's government as of August 2025. The NAP itself, launched in 2022, operates as a framework without requiring new laws but relies on annual budgets and intergovernmental agreements. However, Carney's decision to eliminate the dedicated Minister of Women and Gender Equality in March 2025 has been criticized as a setback, potentially weakening oversight of the NAP. This cabinet restructuring reduced positions by about a third, folding gender equality responsibilities into other portfolios. Critics argue this signals reduced priority, though the government maintains that gender issues are integrated across ministries.

Challenges and Risks

Despite initial funding, concerns persist about the NAP's sustainability. Funding is set to sunset by 2027, and advocates warn that without renewal, the Department for Women and Gender Equality could face an 80% budget cut. The elimination of the dedicated minister has drawn backlash from organizations, with calls for reinstatement to ensure focused leadership. If funding is not renewed or expanded in the upcoming budget, the promise risks being broken, particularly for Indigenous partnerships and vulnerable groups. To be fully kept, the government must secure long-term investments, potentially through budget 2026, and address calls for declaring gender-based violence an epidemic while reinstating dedicated oversight.

Overall Status