In Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2025 provincial election, gender equity has not been a primary focus, as highlighted by the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL). THANL recently published a report analyzing the official platforms of the Liberal, PC, and NDP parties regarding gender-based violence initiatives.
THANL is urging the government to recognize gender-based and intimate partner violence as an epidemic. The organization is advocating for increased availability of safe and affordable housing for women escaping violence and the incorporation of a curriculum on gender-based violence in schools.
The report emphasizes the impact of housing insecurity and high rent prices on trapping survivors in abusive relationships. THANL is pushing for the establishment of a women’s only low-barrier shelter, expanding subsidized housing options for women fleeing violence, and developing a strategy to combat homelessness.
While all three parties have committed to constructing more homes, only the NDP has prioritized non-market, affordable housing. In terms of education, THANL suggests educating students from primary to Grade 12 about gender-based violence, a topic not directly addressed by any party except for the Liberals’ proposed changes to school curricula.
Regarding healthcare, THANL recommends endorsing the federal pharmacare plan and enhancing trauma-informed healthcare access. This includes funding for women’s centers to support victims of sexual violence and creating private triage spaces in emergency rooms for potential victims of gender-based violence.
In the justice sector, THANL’s report calls for enhanced support and legal aid for gender-violence survivors in rural areas. The report highlights challenges in enforcing protection orders due to a shortage of RCMP officers and understaffed legal aid offices, resulting in delays in addressing separation, divorce, and child custody cases.
The Liberals have pledged to establish a police crime reduction unit, a Victims of Crime Support Unit, and expand the Intimate Partner Violence Team. Both the Liberals and PCs have committed to increasing police presence in rural areas, while the NDP advocates for more support and space for women’s shelters.
Upon inquiry, NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed concerns about intimate partner violence, emphasizing the need for adequate housing and shelter support. PC Leader Tony Wakeham also acknowledged the importance of maintaining and adequately staffing transition houses.
In a statement, the Liberal party assured their commitment to maintaining transitional housing initiatives, supporting emergency shelter beds, and collaborating with organizations like THANL to address funding challenges. The Liberals also pledged to declare gender-based and intimate partner violence as an epidemic and enhance victim support services.
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