Status of Women

The committee studied women's shelters and transitional housing. Appearing were Andrea Silverstone from Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society, Marc Hull-Jacquin from Shelter Movers, and Anuradha Dugal from Women's Shelters Canada.

Andrea Silverstone argued the current system conflates two distinct needs: immediate safety from violence and housing stability after leaving abuse. She said only 6% to 20% of women fleeing violence require high-security shelter, while 80% to 90% need rapid access to affordable housing and community-based wraparound supports. She recommended preserving shelters for high-risk women, developing parallel housing pathways like rapid rehousing and portable housing benefits, investing in community-based supports, and reducing unnecessary disruption so women can stay in their communities when safe. She agreed with a questioner that the definition of coercive control in Bill C-16 should be expanded beyond intimate partners to include persons of trust, such as seniors. She also supported bail reform and noted that trafficking victims need specialized housing supports for at least two years.

Marc Hull-Jacquin emphasized that safe, stable housing is a primary concern for survivors deciding whether to leave an abuser, and that the lack of it leads many to endure further abuse. He said shelters and transition homes face unsustainable pressure to be "all things to all survivors," and recommended a survivor-centred approach that coordinates a broader ecosystem of over 30 service organizations, allowing each to focus on its expertise. He noted that Shelter Movers' free moving and storage service helps break the cycle of violence, with clients reporting they are far less likely to return to an abuser. He declined to answer a question on bail reform, citing lack of expertise.

Anuradha Dugal reported that 97% of shelter survey respondents said it has become harder to support survivors in finding housing, leading to high turnaway rates and increased risk of femicide. She highlighted that shelters need sustained capital investment in infrastructure, and survivors need immediate access to portable housing benefits without red tape or waiting periods. She also called for pathways to home ownership to address intergenerational poverty. She agreed that bail reform is needed. She noted that older women often face barriers to shelter access due to policies prioritizing families, and that pensions for senior women should be increased. She supported Quebec's autonomy in social services while noting federal policies like the national action plan can help prevent violence.

The committee began with a motion to appoint Marilyn Gladu as first vice-chair, which was agreed to. No other procedural debate or votes occurred.