Victims of intimate partner violence and their advocates are frustrated after the speculation about an early election caused an Ontario legislative committee to abruptly end what was intended to be a comprehensive study of the issue.
The possibility of a spring election led one of the committee’s leaders to speed up the study timeline with the aim of finishing a report by February, while the other leader referred to this situation as a “farce.”
The justice policy subcommittee, co-led by a Progressive Conservative and a New Democrat, wrapped up Phase 1 of its efforts after hearing from nearly 90 witnesses during the summer.
The committee had ambitious plans that involved traveling across the province to gather input from survivors, including an important visit to Renfrew County in eastern Ontario. This trip was meant to connect with those involved in a significant coroner’s inquest into the murders of three local women – Nathalie Warmerdam, Carol Culleton and Anastasia Kuzyk – by a former partner.
Now, that trip has been called off and discussions with survivors will take place either at Queen’s Park in Toronto or via video calls.
“I don’t know if there will be an early election, but since everything is possible and considering all we’ve accomplished so far, I’m speeding up our timeline,” said Jess Dixon, the Progressive Conservative co-lead for the committee.
Premier Doug Ford hasn’t dismissed the idea of calling an early election in 2025 instead of adhering to the scheduled date for June 2026.
The changes have not been well received by New Democrat Kristyn Wong-Tam, who is also co-leading the committee.
“This whole process is increasingly becoming a farce,” Wong-Tam stated.
Dixon, who previously worked as a Crown attorney handling many domestic violence cases and was recently named as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Kitchener South-Hespeler, committed to advancing this issue with hopes for meaningful change for victims of intimate partner violence.
“This is extremely important to me,” Dixon said. “No one can stop me from working on this and advocating for it.”
Her report containing recommendations for moving forward is now anticipated to be completed by February 2025-at least two months earlier than initially planned.
Wong-Tam introduced a private member’s bill back in March aimed at declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario.
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PCs reject motions regarding IPV epidemic declaration
The government first indicated it would oppose this idea but later voted in favor during April’s second reading before sending it off for review-complete with funding for taking committee members on-site visits. The then-government house leader Paul Calandra mentioned that they would conduct “an in-depth study on all aspects related to intimate partner violence-including current programs available, some root causes behind it, and how we can improve things across Ontario.” Ford defended holding off on passing this legislation because he felt it needed “some teeth” before moving ahead. Since then, twice he has denied motions from opposition parties seeking recognition of intimate partner violence as an epidemic. This declaration was also highlighted as essential by the jury recommendations from Renfrew County’s coroner’s inquest issued back in June 2022. The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses reported that between November 2023 and November 2024 alone, 62 women were killed by men within the province. The organization describes femicide as “the gender-related killing of women, children and gender-diverse individuals by men that occur in Ontario.” The report noted that at least 25 killings were carried out by intimate partners during that time frame.Committee engaged with about 90 witnesses
In September , both Dixon and Wong – Tam expressed hopefulness after hearing testimonies from approximately 90 witnesses , primarily advocates along with organizations supporting women. Equally important was their positive working relationship. “Kristyn cares deeply about making change , recognizing I ‘m just as committed ,” Dixon remarked back then. While Wong – Tam indicated she believed better uses existed instead another report might be produced , she felt having her seat at table alongside Dixon remained worthwhile. “MPP Dixon has good intentions ; however I struggle trusting rest government ,” she stated previously. Both leaders agreed travel should happen so they could engage directly with victims , noting several months ago they couldn’t consider their work done without visiting Renfrew County. The committee’s Phase Two-a fact-finding mission aimed at clarifying various ministries’ responsibilities relating specifically towards addressing intimate partner violence-was supposed start September; however finding suitable room became impossible until late November.< The current phase now limits each minister speaking time down only twenty minutes total-five minutes allocated opposition questions while five reserved strictly Progressive Conservatives-which sparked frustration among NDP critics last week when several couldn’t even ask more than one or two questions given these constraints.‘It’s frankly insulting,’ says survivor advocate
Dixon noted final phases would now kick-off wrapping-up around January too. She expressed disappointment over canceled arrangements concerning Renfrew visitations. “Should I win (the next election), I’ll keep championing this passionately-it’d mean arranging future trips (to Renfrew) down road,” she shared. Cait Alexander-a passionate advocate supporting sexual assault survivors-was photographed at Queen’s Park last May. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press)This decision met outrage plus discontentment especially among survivors grappling through experiences surrounding intimate partner violence facing similar issues firsthand!
“It perfectly represents this current government shortening what should’ve been extensive thoughtful oversight efforts,” complained Cait Alexander-someone pushing Queen’s Park politicos toward necessary reforms launching End Violence Everywhere initiative.
“That feels outright insulting.”
Kirsten Mercer-a lawyer representing groups advocating against female-oriented assaults attending aforementioned coroner’s inquiry held within Renfrew seven years post-murders deemed critical-for locals added Province ought mirror inquiries conducted elsewhere leading regions conducting hearings too.
“Hardly effective governance occurs simply through Queen’s Park; listening accurately reflecting community needs seems lacking” she pointed out expressing general frustrations stemming previous promises made highlighting importance diving deeper scrutinizing matters thoroughly.
Another consideration emphasized regards necessity ensuring adequate timing completing legislative tasks remains paramount(Mercer). “But delaying carries very real consequences,” concluding sentiment surrounding urgency emphasizing lives impacted significantly due lack action taken.”
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