The CKW Inquest
On September 22, 2015, Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam were murdered by a man who had been a former partner to each of them and was known for his history of violence.
This tragic event highlighted the critical failures in the systems meant to protect victims of intimate partner violence. In response, an inquest was launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the femicides and to address the gaps that allowed these tragedies to occur. The inquest resulted in a series of recommendations aimed at preventing future violence and improving protections for those at risk.
Read more about the femicides, the inquest findings, the recommendations, and related news coverage here
News Coverage
The Femicides
September 22, 2015: Anastasia Kuzyk remembered fondly at Wilno Tavern where she worked: Kuzyk, a former employee, was one of three women killed near Wilno, Ont., on Tuesday
September 23, 2015: Basil Borutski charged with 3 counts of 1st-degree murder: Suspect has been out of jail about 3 weeks, according to Wilno residents
September 23, 2015: Nathalie Warmerdam described as woman with ‘courage, integrity‘: Mother of 2 was once in a relationship with triple homicide suspect, had fought for better policing
September 23, 2015: Perth donates space for women’s monument
September 24, 2015: Wilno triple homicide accused had dark history of vicious attacks on women
September 24, 2015: Heartfield: Violence against women is an outrage Canada has failed to address
September 24, 2015: Basil Borutski, charged with killing 3, has lengthy criminal history involving women: Court records show Borutski convicted of crimes against 2 of the women found dead Tuesday
September 24, 2015: Carol Culleton, 1 of 3 killed near Wilno, Ont., a soft-spoken ‘sweetheart‘: Culleton, 66, had just retired when she was found dead earlier this week
September 25, 2015: Man arrested in trail of death across Ottawa Valley
The Court Case
October 2015: Basil Borutski speaks to the Fifth Estate
January 15, 2016: Basil Borutski, charged with 3 Wilno, Ont., murders, blames police harassment
November 24, 2017: Advocates demand action against domestic violence following Borutski verdict: Basil Borutski convicted Friday in Sept. 2015 deaths of three former partners
December 4, 2017: Basil Borutski’s history of violence: Court records, transcripts lift veil on killer’s past from 1977 to morning of murders
December 6, 2017: Borutski went looking for a fourth victim on day of rampage
December 6, 2017: Basil Borutski trial: No parole for 70 years for man who killed 3 women in Ottawa Valley
December 6, 2017: Basil Borutski charged with 3 counts of 1st-degree murder
One Year Later - September 2016
September 19, 2016: What the Renfrew County murders tell us about rural violence: A local crisis worker on how isolation, poverty and an abundance of weapons put women at risk
September 21, 2016: Widow of slain Mississippi Mills councillor gives a voice to survivors
September 21, 2016: ‘If someone has a gun and wants to kill us, we will die‘: One year later, is Wilno any safer?
September 22, 2016: 1 year after triple killing, grief weighs heavily on Wilno victims‘ friends, family: Nathalie Warmerdam, Anastasia Kuzyk, Carol Culleton murdered Sept. 22, 2015 in violent spree
September 22, 2016: Community marks one year since Wilno triple murder
September 28, 2016: Interval House ‘disheartened’ by level of violence against women on tenth anniversary of Take Back the Night
The Inquest
In June 2022, a coroner’s inquest examined the circumstances of the deaths to consider how future such deaths could be prevented.
The inquest was designed to close holes that were left open allowing this man to commit the three femicides.
The inquest into their deaths was launched by Dr. David Cameron, Regional Supervising Corner of Inquests. The hearing examined the circumstances surrounding the crimes focusing on femicide in rural communities.
Inquest News Coverage
The Idea
August 28, 2019: Preventing similar tragedies: Inquest called into deaths of Basil Borutski’s three murder victims
March 22, 2022: Community consultations a prelude to inquest into 2015 Borutski murders
March 24, 2022: Dates set for consultations ahead of inquest into Wilno-area deaths
May 20, 2022: Inquest into 2015 slayings of three Renfrew-area women to begin June 6
May 20, 2022: Inquest into murders of 3 women in Renfrew County coming up in early June
May 26, 2022: Let’s be the change: Inquest into Wilno-area murders begins June 6
June 5, 2022: Inquest into 2015 murders in Renfrew County will focus on risk factors for rural victims of violence
June 2022: Sister of Anastasia Kuzyk says the system failed all three women targeted in Wilno, Ont., murders
June 2022: Inquest has ‘a lot of potential’ to change intimate partner violence in rural communities
The Inquest
June 6, 2022: Victims‘ families begin coroner’s inquest into Ottawa Valley triple homicide
June 7, 2022: Domestic violence solutions must consider unintended negative consequences, inquest hears
June 7, 2022: Experts at Ottawa Valley triple homicide inquest urge action on future recommendations
June 8, 2022: Domestic homicides are preventable, but opportunities to intervene were missed, expert tells inquest
June 9, 2022: Killer of 3 women a ‘domestic violence terrorist,’ inquest hears
June 9, 2022: 5 ways to help prevent intimate-partner violence from the triple-homicide inquest
June 10, 2022: Crown prosecutors face a high bar in pursuing cases if victims refuse to testify, inquest hears
June 13, 2022: Inquest hears from victim services worker who aided 2 of 3 murder victims
June 14, 2022: Program for treating abusers scrutinized during Day 7 of triple-homicide inquest
June 14, 2022: Probation officers missed opportunities monitoring murderer of 3 women, review finds
June 14, 2022: Inquest: Daughter of victim questions effectiveness of court-mandated program for abusers
June 15, 2022: Inquest hears details about police response to 2015 triple homicide in Ottawa Valley
June 16, 2022: OPP questioned about potential of warning victim on day of triple homicide
June 16, 2022: If long-gun registry still existed, police might have been able to trace killer’s gun, inquest hears
June 16, 2022: Triple homicide inquest turns to killer’s possession of shotgun
June 17, 2022: Police didn’t know killer stalked murder victim, triple homicide inquest hears
June 17, 2022: Give abusers help on finding necessary services, expert on preventing violence tells inquest
June 17, 2022: Treatment of domestic abusers shouldn’t start after arrest, triple-homicide inquest told
June 17, 2022: Pellerin: Violence against women — why aren’t we heeding the warning signs?
June 20, 2022: Femicide inquest hears from survivors about importance of bystander intervention
June 20, 2022: Intimate partner violence survivors stress need for bystander intervention
June 21, 2022: Brother testifies about ‘beloved big sister‘ at intimate partner violence inquest
June 21, 2022: Electronic tracking could have disrupted series of murders, inquest hears
June 22, 2022: Contact with triple-homicide victims could have been more frequent, probation manager tells inquest
June 22, 2022: Triple-murder inquest gets ‘Probation 101‘ from former officer
June 23, 2022: ‘Breach him forever,’ probation service warned about Ottawa Valley triple murderer
June 24, 2022: Closing submissions in triple-murder inquest give jurors 72 proposed recommendations
June 24, 2022: Tighter supervision of high-risk abusers on probation among 72 changes pitched to inquest jury
June 24, 2022: Closing submissions in triple-murder inquest give jurors 72 proposed recommendations
June 26, 2022: ‘We’ve come so far’: Proposed recommendations presented at Renfrew County femicide inquest
June 27, 2022: Verdict for Renfrew County femicide inquest expected June 28
June 28, 2022: Inquest jury urges Ontario to declare ‘epidemic‘ of intimate partner violence
June 28, 2022: Jury at triple-homicide inquest makes 86 recommendations to prevent intimate partner violence
Reaction
June 28, 2022: Daughter seeking systemic change at inquest into mother’s murder thinks ‘she’d be proud’
June 29, 2022: ‘I am furious’: Femicide an epidemic, says Renfrew inquest jury
July 2, 2022: Editorial: It’s past time to get serious about intimate-partner violence
July 3, 2022: ‘We will fight the good fight’: Advocates reflect on femicide inquest
July 7, 2022: Adam: Will Ontario take meaningful action to confront intimate-partner violence?
July 9, 2022: Johnson: Intimate-partner violence — misogyny is built in to both our culture and our justice system
July 17, 2022: Give abusers help on finding necessary services, expert on preventing violence tells inquest
The Recommendations
On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the jury recommendations from the Inquest into the deaths of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam were presented. In total, 86 recommendations for change were made, speaking to oversight and accountability, system approaches, collaboration and communication, funding, education and training, measures addressing perpetrators of intimate partner violence, intervention and safety.
Reactions to the Recommendations
September 27, 2022: After triple femicide inquest, advocates press Ontario to act on ‘the gift of solutions’
February 8, 2023: Responses to Renfrew County murder inquest due this week
February 17, 2023: Panelists blast Ford government’s lack of action on IPV inquest recommendations: Erin Lee, Lanark County Interval House’s executive director, is member of discussion panel
February 17, 2023: NDP joins advocates in urging Ford to pass Renfrew County Inquest recommendations
February 17, 2023: Advocates disappointed by province’s initial Renfrew County inquest response: 29 of 75 coroner’s inquest recommendations to Ontario still need to be addressed
February 21, 2023: In Focus: Erin Lee, Lanark County Interval House
February 21, 2023: Government response to inquest recommendations not enough says violence against women organization, EVA
March 15, 2023: Ontario lacks urgency on declaring intimate-partner violence an epidemic, say experts
March 30, 2023: Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry identifies many RCMP failings, recommends overhaul
June 28, 2023: Ontario rejects recommendation to label intimate partner violence an epidemic
June 28, 2023: Ontario rejects some recommendations from triple murder inquest jury: 8 recommendations rejected, 10 accepted, 12 partly accepted
June 28, 2023: Ontario won’t declare intimate partner violence an epidemic following inquest
June 28, 2023: ‘Too many women have lost their lives,’ daughter of Renfrew County murder victim says
July 3, 2023: ‘We will fight the good fight‘: Advocates reflect on femicide inquest in Ontario
July 13, 2023: Ontario rejects some recommendations from triple murder inquest jury: Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) responds
August 16, 2023: Intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic,’ federal government says in response to coroner’s inquest
November 17, 2023: Ontario advocates say gender-based violence an ‘epidemic’, with no end in sight
December 6, 2023: ‘Troubling rise in femicides’: Open letter urges Ontario premier to declare intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic
April 2024: ‘A first step‘: Province to back bill listing intimate partner violence an epidemic
May 15, 2024: Sex assault survivors livid with Ontario over intimate partner violence bill
Sharing the Recommendations
Each week for 86 weeks, LCIHCS Executive Director met with Bob Perrault of myFM 88.1 to discuss each of the 86 recommendations in depth.
Lessons from a Rural Inquest Webinar
Lessons from a Rural Inquest: Taking Action to Support the Recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest
This Special Event was presented and recorded on November 17, 2022.
Presented by: Pamela Cross, Erin Lee, Kirsten Mercer, and Prabhu Rajan. Through the lens of the panelists – all of whom played key roles in the inquest – this special online event explores some of the key moments in the proceedings, with a focus on the recommendations and what all of us can do to advocate for their implementation.
Since The Inquest
Since June 2022, LCIHCS has worked tirelessly, partnering and meeting with various stakeholders across the province to push for the passing of the recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest.
A significant milestone was reached when Lanark County became the first municipality in Canada to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic on December 14, 2022, in accordance with the jury’s first recommendation. This historic resolution was unanimously passed, paving the way for nearly 100 municipalities to follow suit.
In April 2024, Bill 173, aimed at declaring IPV an epidemic in Ontario, passed its second reading and was deferred to the Justice Policy Committee, marking an essential step forward.
Media Coverage Since the Inquest
February 19, 2016: Did the law fail three murdered women?
April 19, 2016: Rural domestic violence highlighted at community forum
May 15, 2017: Lanark County Interval House launches See it, Name it, Change it campaign
October 22, 2020: Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry will include look at RCMP actions, gender-based violence
October 2022: What Now, Lanark County? After the Coroner’s Inquest on the 2015 Murders
2018: Basil Borutski and the Wilno Murders: Circle of Fear – The Fifth Estate
September 20, 2022: Lanark County Interval House relaunches ‘evolving’ campaign to end violence against women
November 11, 2022: “What Now Lanark County” — December 9
November 21, 2022: Rural women face higher risk of abuse, so what now Lanark County?
December 16, 2022: Brother of 2 slain women speaks out to help end ‘nightmare‘ of intimate partner violence
December 18, 2022: What now? 4 witnesses who gave testimony in Renfrew County femicide inquest share their insights
December 29, 2022: Years after 3 Ontario women were murdered, advocates say dangerous gaps in rural cell service persist
February 8, 2023: Joshua Hopkins sings for his sister Nathalie Warmerdam, killed in 2015 Ottawa Valley triple murder
February 26, 2023: Femicide: A killing by another name: Why a growing chorus of voices is asking that the violent deaths of women be called femicide
March 7, 2023: Neighbours, Friends and Families Launches “Rural Roots” Initiative to Empower Rural Communities in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence
March 17, 2023: #HealthyTalk ft. Pam Cross & Erin Lee | A Rural Inquest | Neighbours, Friends & Families
August 30, 2023: Mississippi Mills mayor joins AMO delegation in push for action on intimate partner violence
December 6, 2023: More than 100 groups press Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic
January 25, 2024: Ontario NDP leader calls for support, funding for intimate partner violence: The new transition centre may begin construction in 2026
January 30, 2024: Mississippi Mills mayor chairs genderbased violence discussion at ROMA conference
February 26, 2024: National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence announced in Ontario: OCRCC responds
March 8, 2024: Why Ontario should declare intimate-partner violence an epidemic
April 2, 2024: Man who killed 3 women in the Ottawa Valley in 2015 dies in prison
April 3, 2024: ‘Apparent natural causes’: Basil Borutski, who murdered 3 women in the Ottawa Valley in 2015, dies in custody at Millhaven Institution
April 10, 2024: Ford government to support NDP motion to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic
April 11, 2024: Advocate on IPV bill to be backed by Ont.
June 7, 2024: Advocates renew call for IPV declaration ahead of Queen’s Park recess
June 2024: Because of You… Commemorating and Celebrating the Work to End Violence Against Women
June 26, 2024: Community vigil Friday to mark second anniversary of CKW Inquest verdict
July 13, 2024: Because of You: Vigil to End Gender-Based Violence brings advocates to Barry’s Bay on 2nd anniversary of CKW Inquest
Declaring IPV an Epidemic
Declaring intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic is crucial.
Language matters, and the term “epidemic” emphasizes the urgent need for action against a pervasive social issue. The World Health Organization and numerous health experts recognize IPV as a public health crisis that requires comprehensive intervention. By acknowledging it as an epidemic, communities send a clear message that IPV is a priority, thus mobilizing resources and support for prevention and intervention efforts
This declaration helps to challenge the stigma and silence that often surround victims of IPV. It signals to survivors that they are not alone and that their experiences are acknowledged and taken seriously. This public recognition can encourage more individuals to seek help, fostering a supportive environment where victims feel believed and empowered to escape abusive situations
While the provincial government may be hesitant to adopt this terminology, the push for change is growing, with over 90 municipalities, including Lanark County, leading the way in this vital movement. Advocates argue that such a declaration is not merely symbolic; it is a foundational step toward ensuring that social services receive the necessary funding and support to effectively address IPV and support survivors.
We are proud of Lanark County for being the first to take this important and meaningful step.
Municipal Declarations
December 14, 2022: Lanark County Media Release – December 14, 2022 Meeting One
December 15, 2022: ‘History-making’: Interval House applauds Lanark County’s recognition of intimate partner violence as an epidemic
December 16, 2022: Lanark County declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
December 17, 2022: Lanark County Declares IPV an Epidemic: ’52 women in 52 weeks were taken by femicide in Ontario. This is, frankly, overdue’
December 18, 2022: Lanark becomes first community in Ontario to declare femicide epidemic
January 2023: Excellent Start, Lanark County! First in Canada to Declare Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
January 16, 2023: ‘Strong commitment’: Province commends Lanark County’s recognition of intimate partner violence as an epidemic
January 20, 2023: ‘A no-brainer’: Town of Perth applauds county’s action on intimate partner violence
January 20, 2023: ‘Far from being solved’: Mississippi Mills joins the county in making intimate partner violence declaration
March 8, 2023: Ottawa city council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
March 10, 2023: Ottawa city council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
March 10, 2023: ‘It does not go away if you hide it’: Carleton Place makes intimate partner violence declaration
March 11, 2023: City declaration on intimate partner violence could help push province
March 15, 2023: Ontario lacks urgency on declaring intimate-partner violence an epidemic, say experts
March 31, 2023: Renfrew County Declares IPV an Epidemic
April 3, 2023: Renfrew County declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
May 3, 2023: Town of Smiths Falls declares Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic
May 16, 2023: Prince Edward County Council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
June 22, 2023: Peel Region declares intimate partner violence an epidemic, asks Ontario to do the same
June 28, 2023: Ontario won’t declare intimate partner violence an epidemic following inquest
June 28, 2023: Pickering declares intimate partner violence an “epidemic”
July 20, 2023: City Council Declares Gender-Based & Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in the City of Toronto
July 20, 2023: Toronto declares gender-based, intimate partner violence an epidemic
July 20, 2023: London’s council to declare intimate partner violence and femicide an epidemic
July 21, 2023: City council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
July 24, 2023: Erin Lee alongside Toronto mayor who declares IPV an epidemic, calls on province to do more
August 16, 2023: Intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic,’ federal government says in response to coroner’s inquest
August 21, 2023: Hamilton declares intimate partner violence an epidemic, joining other Ontario municipalities: Council voted unanimously on Friday in support of motion
September 13, 2023: Intimate partner violence an epidemic, Region of Waterloo councillors declare in motion: ‘If we do not name the problem, it will not begin to be solved,’ Coun. Pam Wolf says
September 20, 2023: County of Essex Council declares Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic
September 21, 2023: Lanark County’s declaration of IPV as an epidemic, applauded by executive director of interval house: County was first municipality in Ontario and Canada to make the move
September 22, 2023: Vaughan council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario: City hopes other York Region municipalities will follow its lead
September 27, 2023: Mississagua declares IPV an epidemic: a ‘first step’ towards desperately needed funding
October 17, 2023: North Bay’s police board declares intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic’
October 18, 2023: Kingston City Council declares IPV an epidemic
October 26, 2023: Lincoln and West Lincoln declare intimate-partner and gender-based violence an epidemic
October 29, 2023: Milton declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
October 30, 2023: Thorold Declares Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
October 30, 2023: Council unanimously declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
October 31, 2023: Council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic, demands province do the same
November 1, 2023: Milton declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
November 2023: A Big Step from a Small Community
November 8, 2023: Greater Sudbury declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
November 20, 2023: Region of Waterloo joins 45-plus municipalities in declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic
November 29, 2023: ‘It’s on the rise‘: Guelph declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
December 6, 2023: More than 100 groups press Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic
December 6, 2023: ‘Troubling rise in femicides’: Open letter urges Ontario premier to declare intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic
December 13, 2023: Peterborough County declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
March 8, 2024: Why Ontario should declare intimate-partner violence an epidemic
March 9, 2024: ‘They live in constant fear’: Niagara Region council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
April 10, 2024: Clarington action to stem intimate partner violence epidemic
April 10, 2024: Ontario poised to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic
April 18, 2024: District declares intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic (South Muskoka)
April 22, 2024: Ontario’s slow acceptance of a grim reality: Intimate partner violence is an epidemic
May 15, 2024: NFU-O Declares Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in Ontario
October 17, 2023: North Bay’s police board declares intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic’
October 18, 2023: Kingston City Council declares IPV an epidemic
October 29, 2023: Milton declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
October 30, 2023: Thorold Declares Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
November 1, 2023: Milton declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
November 2023: A Big Step from a Small Community
November 29, 2023: ‘It’s on the rise‘: Guelph declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
December 6, 2023: More than 100 groups press Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic
December 6, 2023: ‘Troubling rise in femicides’: Open letter urges Ontario premier to declare intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic
December 13, 2023: Peterborough County declares intimate partner violence an epidemic
March 8, 2024: Why Ontario should declare intimate-partner violence an epidemic
April 10, 2024: Clarington action to stem intimate partner violence epidemic
April 18, 2024: District declares intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic (South Muskoka)
May 15, 2024: NFU-O Declares Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in Ontario
July 21, 2024: Intimate partner violence is an epidemic. Why won’t Ontario say so?
August 14, 2024: Town to ask Ontario to name intimate partner violence an epidemic after family deaths
LCIHCS Executive Director Erin Lee and JoAnne Brooks of EVA Renfrew County joined Toronto Mayor Olivia Chan as Toronto declared IPV an epidemic.
“Communities across this Province are leading with municipality after municipality joining the call to declare IPV an epidemic. It is only when we are able to see and name what is happening all around us every day that we can begin to create the change that survivors need and deserve.”
Advocacy & Public Education
LCIHCS has been actively involved in advocacy and education efforts since the Inquest and has played a pivotal role in advocacy and education efforts surrounding intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV).
Erin Lee met weekly with myFM radio to discuss the Renfrew County Inquest recommendations, helping to raise community awareness about these critical issues. A landmark moment occurred when Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry chaired a session on IPV/GBV at the ROMA Conference, highlighting the importance of municipal dialogue on this topic.
LCIHCS initially launched the “See It, Name It, Change It” campaign in 2017, relaunching it in 2022 to further address the Inquest recommendations, encouraging individuals to recognize and act against violence.
Additionally, LCIHCS became a partner in the What Now Lanark County group, which hosted a packed forum in December 2022, engaging the community in discussions about actionable steps following the recommendations. This forum featured a panel of four experts who testified at the inquest and paved the way for a women’s conference in May 2023.
The organization has also actively participated in numerous webinars and media initiatives while enhancing its social media presence to raise public interest and engagement in these vital issues. Through these efforts, LCIHCS aims to motivate the community to pay attention, participate, and contribute to creating safer environments for everyone.
rural roots
In early 2024, LCIHCS partnered with Luke’s Place and Neighbours, Friends and Family to create the Rural Roots iniative.Born from a commitment to address intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural areas, Rural Roots will equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to support survivors within their rural communities.
The genesis of Rural Roots is in the webinar, “A Rural Inquest: The Role of Neighbours, Friends and Families in Keeping Women Safe,” which delved into the inquest into the 2015 murders of three women in a rural community in eastern Ontario. Rural Roots strives to bridge gaps in understanding and support for survivors of IPV in rural communities.
Rural IPV presents distinct challenges that are frequently overlooked in urban centric narratives. For example, rural victim/survivors are 30% more likely to face firearm threats compared to their urban counterparts. Rural Roots empowers individuals to take meaningful action through a simple framework: See it, Name it, Check it.
See it: be aware of common warning signs of IPV so you know it when you see it.
Name it: for what it is, to yourself, and to the person you are concerned about.
Check it: for danger, for yourself, and reach out for community expertise.
Bill 173
Bill 173, known as the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Epidemic Act, is a significant piece of legislation in Ontario aimed at formally recognizing IPV as an epidemic.
Introduced by the NDP, this bill seeks to enhance the provincial government’s response to IPV by implementing strategies and measures that prioritize the safety of survivors and support community initiatives.
Staff from LCIHCS attended the second reading of Bill 173 at Queen’s Park. During this session, Erin Lee presented on behalf of LCIHCS, advocating for the bill’s importance in driving legislative change and ensuring that the recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest are put into action . The bill passed its second reading and was sent to Policy Committee for further examination, highlighting the collective push from advocates and community members for immediate action against IPV .
Erin Lee presented to the Committee, emphasizing the urgency of implementing measures that can effectively combat IPV. This ongoing effort reflects a broader commitment from survivors, advocates, and organizations across Ontario to ensure that IPV is addressed with the seriousness it deserves. LCIHCS continues to advocate for the province to pass Bill 173 and take more tangible action on the other 85 recommendations.
