The Nova Scotia government is calling on residents with personal, professional or community-based experience surrounding gender-based violence to apply to join the new ministers’ table on gender-based violence. The ministers’ table is led by Becky Druhan, Nova Scotia’s attorney general and minister of justice, and Leah Martin, minister for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. The table will bring together up to 25 community members to advise the government on ways to prevent gender-based violence and support people who are affected by it. “This is an opportunity to bring voices together from across the province, especially those on the front lines and those with lived experience,” said Druhan. “When we listen directly to those doing the work and living the realities, we can better identify and take actions that lead to real change.” The 2025-2026 provincial budget includes more than $100 million to address gender-based and intimate partner violence, the ministers’ table is part of this effort. Once selected, the members of the table will meet at least four times per year. The table will work with representatives from L’nu Affairs, African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. It will also work with the departments of Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness and Education and Early Childhood Development. “We’re not starting from scratch. Advocates, professionals and service providers have been doing this work for years in communities across Nova Scotia,” said Martin. “Their input and expertise will not only guide government’s efforts, but also how we work together to advance real, lasting change for victims, survivors and communities.” In September 2024, the Nova Scotia government declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. Since October 2024, police in Nova Scotia have reported the deaths of at least seven women and one man allegedly from intimate partner violence. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
