On the 35th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre, 150 advocacy and gender-based violence organizations across Ontario have united in a powerful call to action. In an open letter addressed to Premier Doug Ford and members of the provincial legislature, they urged the immediate prioritization and passage of Bill 173: The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2024.
The legislation, currently stalled at second reading, aims to address the growing epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV) and femicide in the province. This year alone, Ontario has recorded 62 cases of femicide—a sobering and urgent reminder of the need for systemic change.
“Femicide is not just a tragedy. It is a stark indicator of the pervasive and systemic violence that plagues our communities,” said Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications for YWCA Toronto. “Bill 173 represents an opportunity for Ontario to take meaningful action in memory of those who have been lost to femicide, providing hope that this epidemic of violence will end.”
The open letter, signed by organizations representing every region of the province, highlights the importance of swift legislative action. Advocates stress that the passage of Bill 173 would be more than symbolic; it would signal a commitment to addressing gender-based violence with the seriousness it demands.
“On this solemn day, we reflect on the 14 women killed by a man in the École Polytechnique Massacre and recommit to advocating for an end to gender-based violence. Our hope is that today the Ontario Legislature acts in their memory and passes Bill 173,” said Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House and Community Support.
The École Polytechnique Massacre, a watershed moment in Canada’s history of gender-based violence, occurred on December 6, 1989. It claimed the lives of 14 women and left the nation grappling with the deeply ingrained misogyny that fueled the attack. Today, advocates argue, the crisis of IPV and femicide remains as pressing as ever.
Bill 173, which was introduced earlier this year, outlines measures to prevent IPV and femicide through enhanced prevention, data collection, and support services. Advocates contend that its passage would send a clear message that the government recognizes the crisis and is committed to accelerating solutions.
“Every femicide is a failure of our collective systems,” the letter reads. “We must invest deeply and urgently in solutions that save lives. Survivors and their families deserve nothing less than our full commitment.”
The organizations call on the legislature to listen to the voices of survivors and prioritize intergovernmental collaboration to combat IPV and femicide. They argue that failure to pass the bill would perpetuate a culture of inaction in the face of a crisis that disproportionately impacts women and gender-diverse individuals.
Today’s collective advocacy is more than a plea for legislative action—it is a call to honor those lost to femicide and to affirm the value of every life. As Ontario marks this solemn anniversary, survivors and advocates hope for meaningful change, starting with the passage of Bill 173.
