“On International Women’s Day, I encourage the Moe government to not only celebrate the achievements of the women of this province, but also to take action to end the proliferation of violence against women and girls,” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader.
“Far too many lives have been lost, and families devastated by domestic and intimate partner violence. The first step in eliminating this scourge is by the government recognizing it as the epidemic that it is.”
Statistics Canada Data shows that Saskatchewan leads Canada when it comes to incidents of intimate partner violence. In 2024, Saskatchewan had a rate of 737 cases per 100,000 population, far higher than the national average of 349 cases per 100,000 population.
The province with the next highest rate was Manitoba with 568 cases per 100,000 population.
“The rates of violence continue to climb, with ever stat representing another life ended too early, another trauma, more pain and suffering. Enough is enough,” said Nicole Sarauer, Shadow Minister of Justice, Attorney General and Community Safety.
“Declaring and recognizing intimate partner violence and domestic violence as an epidemic won’t end this crisis, but it sends the signal and the message that the provincial government is serious and committed to ending domestic violence in Saskatchewan for good.”
The Saskatchewan NDP has urged Justice Minister Tim McLeod to take action and declare intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan an epidemic on multiple occasions, including on April 14, 2025, and again on December 4, 2025.
“It’s time for action,” said Jacqueline Roy, Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Status of Women. “The provincial budget is coming. This isn’t a time for platitudes, it’s a time to invest in supports for women and public safety. Frankly, it’s time for change.”
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