‘Feminist policies’ will curb violence based on gender: NDP leadership hopeful
The morning after debating her fellow federal NDP leadership candidates to a packed house in Saskatoon, Niki Ashton, the MP for Churchill – Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba, was back on the campaign trail to announce an endorsement and a new policy to help end gender discrimination and violence in Canada.
“We can make Canada a safer place for people of all gender identities by implementing feminist policies and investing in them,” she said.
Ashton, who describes herself as a longtime intersectional feminist whose beliefs are rooted in activism and advocacy, says she is tired of seeing women and those with marginalized gender identities not feeling secure enough to seek justice when they face violence and discrimination.
Citing a recently released report, which had found the rates of all crimes in Canada are on the decline, except the rates of sexual assault, which remained steadfast, Ashton says it’s critical to challenge rape culture on a national scale and speak with victims about their experiences with the justice system to create an atmosphere where victims feel comfortable enough to come forward.
“For far too long, women have been told that anti-discrimination policies are too expensive or aren’t a priority. That is simply unacceptable.”
Her gender-justice platform is focused on the understanding that the federal government needs to put resources in place, such as immediate aid for victims and their families, before significant changes can be made, a job she says the current government isn’t taking seriously enough.
“There was much hope in electing Justin Trudeau as someone who committed to real change and there is no question that one of the messages he put forward was one that was, I’d say, much appreciated by women across the country,” Ashton said. “We had very early declarations of Prime Minister Trudeau’s feminism — and his very proud identity as such — but what we haven’t seen is that commitment roll out in terms of policy and particularly resources.”
Sheri Benson, the MP for Saskatoon West, was also at the event to officially throw her support behind Ashton in the leadership race.
“Being a leader is a tough job, but she’s up for it,” Benson said.
“Right from the get-go in her political career she has stood up for equity in human rights as an MP, she has advocated for the north, her community, for good jobs and for good education. I really like how she proposes to work in partnership with communities and community-based organizations who work on the front line of this issue day in and day out. Communities have the answers, but what they really need is a government that understands them.”