The government of Nova Scotia has announced the establishment of an engagement table aimed at addressing gender-based violence, as part of ongoing efforts to improve support and resources for affected individuals. Justice Minister Becky Druhan revealed this initiative on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders in the community.

The engagement table will consist of up to 25 members, including front-line service providers, community organizations, survivors of gender-based violence, their family members, and academic experts. This diverse group is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving needs surrounding gender-based violence and to facilitate faster, more collaborative responses to prevent such violence.

Minister Druhan stated, "Nova Scotians have told us that gender-based violence supports and services need to be more connected, more responsive, and easier to access." She highlighted the importance of working together with those who provide support and the survivors who rely on these services to ensure that the initiatives implemented are effective and genuinely helpful.

The announcement was positively received by Nova Scotia Liberal co-leader Iain Rankin, who acknowledged the efforts to gather experts and stakeholders. However, Rankin cautioned that the initiative must translate into tangible actions. He remarked, "We are glad to see the minister has finally started to bring together experts and stakeholders and used her convening power as recommended, but this new proposal will only be successful if necessary changes are actually implemented."

NDP Leader Claudia Chender also expressed her views on the matter, referencing existing guidance from several significant investigations into gender-based violence. She stated, "We know what the problems are — and we know what must be done." Chender pointed out that the recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Lionel Desmond inquiry, and the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls provide a clear path forward. She stressed the urgency of taking action based on these recommendations.

To further the initiative, the province announced that there would be a call for applications to join the engagement table in the coming weeks, aiming to ensure a broad representation of voices. The group is expected to convene at least every three months to discuss and devise strategies to combat gender-based violence effectively.

In terms of financial commitments, the most recent provincial budget allocated over $100 million across various departments to tackle issues related to gender-based and intimate partner violence. This includes a dedicated amount of $17.8 million in core funding aimed specifically at supporting transition houses and women's centres, which are critical resources for individuals seeking help.

This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing gender-based violence in Nova Scotia, reflecting a commitment from the government to improve support networks and create a more responsive system to meet the needs of survivors and affected families.