Nova Scotia’s Budget Fails to Address Gender-Based Violence Crisis

Introduction to the Crisis

Nova Scotia’s newly introduced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has sparked significant criticism for its inadequate response to the escalating crisis of gender-based violence. The $17.6-billion budget, presented by the Progressive Conservatives, includes $100 million in previously announced funding for intimate-partner and gender-based violence. However, this amount falls short of addressing the severity of the issue, which has seen six women killed by their male partners since October. This alarming rate of violence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures, yet the budget’s provisions have left advocates and survivors feeling neglected and disappointed.

The Budget’s Shortcomings Highlighted by Advocates

Central to the criticism is the lack of new, substantial funding to prevent domestic abuse and support survivors. Carrie Low, a survivor of gender-based violence, expressed her disillusionment, stating that the budget’s inaction sends a clear message that the lives and safety of women are not a priority. Similarly, Kristina Fifield, a trauma therapist working with survivors, emphasized the need for epidemic-level responses to this epidemic. Both advocates participated in a rally in Halifax, honoring the victims of gender-based violence, including six women and one man killed since October. This rally underscored the community’s demand for urgent, meaningful action.

Advocates and Survivors Speak Out

The voices of advocates and survivors reveal the profound emotional and societal impact of the budget’s shortcomings. Fifield pointed out that the absence of core funding for victim advocacy groups hampers their ability to provide consistent support, a crucial element in aiding survivors. She referenced recommendations from past inquiries, such as the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting and the 2017 tragedy involving a former soldier, which highlighted necessary measures to address domestic violence. These reports, Fifield noted, are being ignored, leading to a lack of political will and financial commitment to tackle the issue effectively.

Government’s Response to Criticism

In response to these criticisms, the government emphasized its commitment to addressing gender-based violence through continued funding. A spokesperson highlighted an additional $7 million allocated to transition houses and women’s centers, as well as the expansion of the paid domestic violence leave program from three to five days. While these measures are steps in the right direction, they are perceived as insufficient given the scale of the crisis. The absence of incremental funding for intimate-partner violence in the new budget has been particularly disappointing, as it signals a lack of recognition of the severity of the issue.

Call for Sustained Funding and Long-Term Solutions

Opposition parties have joined advocates in calling for more robust and sustained funding. Claudia Chender, leader of the NDP, introduced a bill aimed at creating a funding formula to ensure non-profits and shelters have the necessary resources to operate effectively. Liberals have also criticized the budget, with justice critic Iain Rankin emphasizing the need for real, sustained support for survivors and front-line organizations. The consensus among critics is that piecemeal solutions are inadequate in the face of this epidemic, and that long-term, comprehensive funding is essential to ensure safety and access to critical services.

Conclusion and the Path Forward

The outcry over Nova Scotia’s budget highlights the urgent need for a more substantial and sustained response to gender-based violence. As the province grapples with this crisis, the stories of survivors like Carrie Low and the advocacy of professionals like Kristina Fifield serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of inaction. The path forward must involve not only increased funding but also a commitment to implementing the recommendations of past inquiries and ensuring that the voices of survivors are central to policy decisions. Only then can Nova Scotia hope to address this epidemic effectively and ensure that the lives of all citizens are valued and protected.