Mr. Speaker, in response to parts (a) and (b), the national action plan to end gender-based violence, or NAP to End GBV, is supported by a budget 2022 investment of $593.3 million over five years, which includes $525 million over four years to support provinces and territories in their implementation of the NAP to End GBV, through bilateral funding agreements. The bilateral agreement for each province and territory, which includes their funding allocation and actions, updated annually, can be found on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s web page entitled Bilateral Agreements on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, at https://femmes-egalite-genres.canada.ca/en/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/bilateral-agreements.html.
With respect to parts (c), (d) and (e), the bilateral funding agreements with the provinces and territories are designed to allow jurisdictions the flexibility to implement opportunities for action within the framework of the five pillars and the foundation of the NAP to End GBV in accordance with their regional realities and priorities, with the exception of Quebec. Gender-based violence is a priority for the Government of Quebec, which has invested significant funds to end violence against women. However, although it supports the overall objectives of the NAP to End GBV, the Government of Quebec cannot adhere to it because it intends to retain its full responsibility for this area in its territory. Through an agreement that respects its autonomy, the Government of Quebec receives federal funding to support the programs, initiatives and services to end gender-based violence that it puts in place based on the needs of its territory. Each province and territory is responsible for directing investments according to its areas of need and priorities. As part of the implementation of the NAP to End GBV, federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to monitor the results and impacts of actions through the NAP to End GBV’s expected results framework. The efforts of the NAP to End GBV is built upon years of consultation with thousands of stakeholders. The federal government will continue engaging with stakeholders as we implement an evergreen and flexible NAP to End GBV. These ongoing engagements will identify changing needs and priorities faced in different regions. In addition to the bilateral agreements being posted online, a national report will be published on an annual basis, demonstrating the progress of the NAP to End GBV in each province as well as the need for changing the adaptation of each bilateral agreement. These public reports and agreements published on the website are part of the government’s strategy to include accountability and transparency within the NAP to End GBV. As funding is gradually distributed throughout the 10 years, these public reports will be imperative in ensuring that all gaps are addressed when implementing the NAP to End GBV.