I want to thank the chief in Halifax. I also want to note that many police leaders and frontline law enforcement across Canada have been working very hard, under very difficult circumstances, especially when they're dealing with families and individuals who are impacted by intimate partner violence.
It comes in many forms, like coercive control. There are so many different layers to the impacts of it, and also to the approach that individuals use to hurt others. When we look at firearms, as an example, it is one of many issues that contribute to intimate partner violence. When we have direct evidence on certain types of firearms, based on evidence and expert conclusions from the RCMP, we take advice from them. As we continue to strengthen our laws, it will ensure greater safety and security.
The issues around intimate partner violence are also much deeper. It goes to issues around income insecurity and dependency, the fact that women often make far less than their male counterparts, and a lot of underlying social issues that, frankly, as a government we've been trying to close the gap on. However, there's still a lot more work to do. It is much more of a holistic approach that we need to take toward addressing intimate partner violence. I believe we've taken some very important steps in that direction, but there's still more to be done.