Ford touts hearings on NDP proposal

Premier says simply declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic would only be symbolic

Premier Doug Ford is defending a move to delay declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic while taking time to put “some teeth” into the fight against it.

Amid concerns his government missed an opportunity to do so this week and is not providing enough funding, Ford says legislative committee hearings on an NDP private member’s bill will guide an improved strategy.

At least 58 women were killed through intimate partner violence in Ontario last year, ravaging families who are left to cope with the trauma as shelters and other social services struggle to provide help.

“There are tragedies, but we have to give this some teeth,” Ford told reporters Thursday in Kitchener.

He was speaking of the New Democrat proposal to declare an epidemic in hopes of securing improved funding for prevention measures and victim supports.

The premier suggested declaring an epidemic by putting the NDP bid to a final vote would merely be a symbol — even though New Democrats and victims have repeatedly said it would be a meaningful first step.

“It’s one thing to pass legislation. Nothing happens. Let’s put some teeth into this, bring it to the justice committee and drill down,” added Ford.

New Democrat MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) said stalling the declaration is “playing games.” She called on the Progressive Conservative government to put the NDP bill to a third and final vote and then hold hearings.

All parties supported a second reading vote Wednesday to send the bill to committee for further study — and then hold hearings.

It marked a reversal of the government’s original position of refusing to declare an epidemic because intimate partner violence is not a contagious or infectious disease.

In the meantime, dozens of recommendations from a 2022 coroner’s inquest into the vicious 2015 killings of three eastern Ontario women in a oneday spree could be implemented, such as establishing a registry for repeat offenders, Gretzky said.

That could save lives now, she added, accusing the government of trying to “muddy the waters” by waiting for lengthy committee hearings with survivors, their families, case workers and other experts.

“Start to take meaningful measures to not only support survivors of intimate partner violence, but take steps to actually end it,” Gretzky urged.

She cited the Hiatus House women’s shelter in Windsor that is “turning people away because they do not have enough room for them,” which results in women and children going back to abusive situations or living on the street.

“If the premier wants teeth, then the premier needs to deliver legislation and funding to support survivors,” said Green Leader Mike Schreiner.

Last December, the government announced an increase of $18.7 million in funding for gender-based violence against women and girls, most of it split among 400 shelters to hire more staff and improve services — an average of just over $45,000 per shelter.

With two years until the next provincial election, opposition parties said they’re worried the committee hearings could be a delay tactic.

“The problem is the government’s words don’t always match their deeds,” said Liberal MPP John Fraser (Ottawa South).

No dates or details of the promised justice committee hearings have been released.

Ford said he spoke to a Sault Ste. Marie man on Wednesday night who lost four members of his family to shootings — a woman and three children — last October before the assailant turned the gun on himself.

“Oh my goodness, it just rips your heart out.”

At least 58 women were killed through intimate partner violence in Ontario last year, ravaging families who are left to cope with the trauma