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Women's Issues Timeline
Women's Issues Milestones
2017
- Human Trafficking Act Passes
- Ontario passes the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, 2017, which will increase protection for survivors of human trafficking and make it easier for survivors to pursue compensation.
- Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Update
- Women’s Directorate becomes a Ministry
- In January 2017, the Premier of Ontario took an important step for women and girls in Ontario by announcing a new stand-alone Ministry of the Status of Women (MSW), formerly the Ontario Women’s Directorate.
2016
- Ontario unveils anti-human trafficking strategy
- Ontario announces it will invest up to $72 million in an anti-human trafficking strategy aimed at increasing awareness and coordination, enhancing justice-sector initiatives and improving survivors' access to services.
- Ontario sets targets for more women on boards
- The Ontario government sets a target that, by 2019, women make up at least 40 per cent of all appointments to every provincial board and agency. These actions build on the government's long-standing support for broader gender diversity, and are informed by a report Ontario commissioned from Catalyst Canada. The new report, Gender Diversity on Boards in Canada: Recommendations for Accelerating Progress, provides advice on best practices in gender diversity on boards.
- Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act Passes
- Ontario launches strategy to end violence against Indigenous Women
2015
- Ontario releases Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
- Ontario creates the permanent Roundtable on Violence Against Women
- Ontario's Roundtable on Violence Against Women, the first permanent government roundtable of its kind, held its inaugural meeting on March 31, 2015 to begin advising the government on emerging issues of gendered violence.
- Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan summit
2014
- Ontario commits to Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan
- Premier Kathleen Wynne commits to releasing a plan to raise awareness of sexual violence and harassment, enhance prevention initiatives to combat sexual discrimination, harassment and violence, and improve support for survivors.
2013
- Gender studies introduced at all secondary schools across Ontario
- Gender studies course will provide secondary school students the opportunity to analyze a range of issues, including gender-based violence, workplace equity and representations of men and women in media and pop culture. After eight years of lobbying and campaigning, the Miss G Project was successful in having this curriculum introduced as part of the education system.
- Women on Boards
- The Ontario government reaffirmed its commitment to broader gender diversity in corporate leadership in its 2013 budget. OWD co-hosted F/P/T knowledge exchange to develop strategies to get more women on corporate boards. Ontario’s Minister for Women’s issues and Minister of Finance ask the Ontario Securities
- A Resource Guide for Ontario Colleges and Universities
- OWD created "Developing a Response to Sexual Violence: A Resource Guide for Ontario Colleges & Universities" to help post- secondary centres address issues of sexual violence on Ontario campus'.
- Microlending for Women in Ontario
- OWD launches its new Microlending for Women in Ontario program to support low-income women who are seeking to start their own business.
- Gender violence in South Asian Communities Conference
- With funding from the OWD, the Social Services Network held its third provincial conference to address gender violence in South Asian communities.
- First woman Premier of Ontario takes office
- Kathleen Wynne, elected Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, takes office as the province’s Premier on February 20, 2013
- Toby’s Law – Bill 33
- Act amends Ontario’s Human Rights Code with respect to gender identity and gender expression.
- With this law, Ontario the first major jurisdiction in North America to provide human rights protection for transgendered people.
2012
- Talk 4 Healing Helpline Launched
- With funding from MCSS, “Talk 4 Healing” a pilot helpline for Aboriginal women in Northern Ontario is established. Service is toll- free and available 24 hours/day with support available in a number of Aboriginal Languages. The creation of this helpline was identified as a priority by the OWD Joint Working Group on violence against Aboriginal women.
- Trauma Training – Part of the Sexual Violence Action Plan
- OWD supports training of front-line works in community agencies and hospitals to increase their skills in supporting women who are victims of sexual violence.
- Standards developed for hospitals to improve response to sexual assault
- Summit V - For Generations to Come: A Summit to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women with a focus on Education
- Language Interpreter Service expanded
- With funding from OWD Language Interpreter Service program was expanded to include services for victims of sexual violence including, human trafficking, hearing impaired, and deaf victims. Front-line workers receive specialized training to serve this population. Nearly 6,000 women are served annually by the program.
- "Draw the Line" education campaign
- With funding from OWD, Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes and the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres launch a province-wide public education campaign. “Traçons les limites/Draw the Line” encourages Ontarians to become an active part of the solution to end sexual violence.
- Law School Curriculum with modules on violence against women introduced
- With funding from OWD the Law Commission of Ontario developed law school curriculum modules on violence against women. The objective was to develop modules that re flexible enough that law schools can include them in existing courses, with a view to ensuring that law students receive some training in this area, regardless of the area of law in which they will practice.
2011
- The Learning Network
- With funding from the OWD, The Learning Network was created at the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children to improve province wide training and public education on the prevention of violence against women.
- Canada’s first Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) court opened in Ontario
- Canada’s first Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) court opened in Toronto as a two-year pilot project. The IDV court allows families to appear before a single, dedicated judge for both family and criminal matters.
- OWD launches the Ontario government's Sexual Violence Action Plan
- Building on the success of the Domestic Violence Action Plan OWD undertook province-wide consultations and launched Ontario’s Sexual Violence Action Plan. This plan takes a coordinated and collaborative approach to prevent sexual violence and improve supports for survivors.
- Public Education – As part of the Action Plan, OWD supported a two day, bilingual forum and development of companion reports, documenting best practices for effective sexual violence public education campaigns.Trauma training – OWD also supported training for professionals on how to support women who have experienced trauma. A resource document was developed to ensure all SV training initiatives OWD supports reflect best practices.
- Trauma training – OWD also supported training for professionals on how to support women who have experienced trauma. A resource document was developed to ensure all SV training initiatives OWD supports reflect best practices.
- Elder Abuse Forum - OWD supported an international forum for 200 policy makers, survivors and front-line workers to increase awareness and understanding of best practises for preventing, identifying and supporting the sexual safety for older women.
- Aboriginal Action Plan on Sexual Violence
- With funding from OWD, Aboriginal partners develop an Aboriginal Action Plan on Sexual Violence.
- Summit IV - Protecting Our Children from Violence: Our Sacred Responsibility
- Held with a focus on improving supports to Aboriginal children who witness violence in their homes.
- "Sex Trafficking of Aboriginal Women and Girls" Report
- With funding from OWD, Ontario Native Women’s Association publishes “Sex Trafficking of Aboriginal Women and Girls” which includes recommendations to guide policy and program development.
- Family Court Support Worker Program Introduced
- New Family Court Support Worker program introduced by the Ministry of the Attorney General. This program helps victims of domestic violence across Ontario, navigate the family court system during the difficult process of separation and divorce.
- Support for women through family courts was one of the priorities of OWD’s Domestic Violence Advisory Council.
- Support for Childrens' Aid Workers
- With OWD funding Aboriginal steering committee created to produce practice guide and training curriculum for Children’s Aid workers throughout Ontario to improve their response to Aboriginal women and children affected by family violence.
- First Annual Slutwalk
- First Annual Slutwalk organized by women’s groups to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. This event now takes place around the world (cities in the US, Brazil, India, UK all hold an annual Slutwalk).
2010
- Full day kindergarten established in Ontario
- Joint Working Group on Violence Against Aboriginal Women
- The OWD, together with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs established the “Joint Working Group on Violence Against Aboriginal Women.
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- Education Forums on Violence Against Women
- OWD funds forums hosted by the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children on risk management.
- Over 7,000 elementary school educators received training on how to identify and support children who experienced violence against their mothers.
- Protection from Workplace Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence
- Bill 168 introduced. This legislation requires that employers have programs and policies on workplace violence including domestic violence and sexual and other forms of harassment. Domestic violence is a workplace issue when a domestic violence perpetrator stalks, threatens or assaults a victim at his or her workplace.
- OWD works with occupational health and safety organizations to develop tools for employees and employers.
- "Critical Connections: Where Woman Abuse and Child Safety Intersect"
- With OWD funding “Critical Connections: Where Woman Abuse and Child Safety Intersect” conference and launch of practice guide developed for Children’s Aid Society workers.
2009
- "Transforming our Communities: Report from the Domestic Violence Advisory Council for the Minister Responsible for Women's Issues"
- “Transforming our Communities: Report from the Domestic Violence Advisory Council for the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues” tabled. The report provides recommendations to improve Ontario’s response to abused women and their children.
- Mental Health and Addiction Consultations
- OWD supports province-wide consultations and development of training resources and programs for mental health, addictions and violence against women professionals to increase their skills in supporting worm with concurrent mental health, addictions and violence issues.
- Restraining Order Improvements
- Family Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009 comes into force. The changes better protect women by making them eligible to apply for a restraining order regardless of how long they have lived with their partner. In addition, breaches of the restraining orders are now prosecuted as an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, which contains stricter bail conditions.
- 'It starts with you - it stays with him'
- With OWD funding, the White Ribbon Campaign and Centre ontarien de prévention des agressions developed the bilingual campaign ‘It starts with you – It stays with him/Ça reste avec lui’. This campaign encourages men to act as role models for boys about gender equality and relationship skills.
- ‘Summit III to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women’
- This summit examined the delivery of programs and services that MCSS funds, and that have an impact on Aboriginal women who experience violence.
2008
- OWD supports second provincial conference under the Domestic Violence Action Plan
- OWD’s second conference drew over 1,000 participants. Keynote speakers included: Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Machaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Irshad Manji, feminist, activist, journalist and author of The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith, Brian Vallée, author of Life with Billy and The War on Women and; Dr. Linda Chamberlain, health scientist specializing in childhood exposure to violence.
- Girl Guides of Canada implements the “Girl EmPower Project” with funding from the Ontario Women’s Directorate
- Objective of this project is to promote healthy, equal relationships amongst GGC girls. By proactively engaging girls in learning about healthy relationships and empowerment, the cycle of violence can be broken.
- Domestic Violence Awareness Training at Ontario Settlement Agencies
- With funding from OWD, OCASI provides province wide training to workers in settlement agencies in order to improve their skills in supporting women experiencing violence.
- Aboriginal Women's Leadership Program Launched
- OWD launches Aboriginal Women’s Leadership program in order to increase Aboriginal women’s full participation in leadership roles in their communities.
- Since inception over 3,000 Aboriginal women have received training.
- Family Legal Education for Women (FLEW)
- OWD works with consortium of women’s groups to develop Family Legal Education for Women (FLEW) which provides family law education and outreach to women – in particular, isolated and vulnerable women – across the province. Resources are culturally translated and available in 14 languages.
- ‘Girls are Different: Understanding the Needs of Female Children and Adolescents in Youth Justice, Mental Health and Child Welfare Sectors’ Conference
- OWD supported this conference with over 200 service providers and ministry staff in attendance. The focus of the conference was to reaffirm that providing evidence-based, gender specific programming is key in improving outcomes for at-risk females.
2007
- OWD Funds French language training institute at Action ontarienne contra la violence dess femmes
- Since its inception over 8,000 professionals have been trained throughout Ontario to improve their support to francophone women experiencing violence.
- “Summit II: Achieving Justice: Aboriginal Communities and the Ontario Justice System Working Together Summit”
- The focus of the summit was on the Justice system response to violence against Aboriginal women.
- "Summit to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women"
- With funding from OWD, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) hold the inaugural “Summit to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women”. The summit resulted in the “Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women”.
- Education program created for Judges on Violence Against Women
- With funding from OWD, Judges from all levels of Ontario courts who hear cases involving violence against women received educational sessions and resources developed through the National Judicial Institute in collaboration with violence against women experts.
- Model Police Response to Domestic Violence Evaluation
- As part of the Domestic Violence Action Plan, Model Police Response to Domestic Violence evaluated in all municipal and provincial police services to ensure that domestic violence policies and procedures are implemented appropriately and required improvements are made.
- Province-wide training of Elementary School personnel on Children and Domestic Violence
- With assistance of an expert panel established by OWD, province wide training of elementary school personnel in English and French schools is implemented to help them support children experiencing domestic violence.
- Since inception over 7,000 elementary school educators received training on how to identify and support children who experienced violence against their mothers.
- No more threatening phone calls from jail
- An enhanced telephone management system implemented in correctional institutions to prevent offenders in jail from making harassing or threatening phone calls to abused women.
- Province-wide vaccines of females in Grade 8 introduced to protect against Human Papilloma Virus (HBP), the leading cause of cervical cancer
- Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and The Minister of Economic Development and Trade commissioned the Honourable Sarmite Bulte, P.C. to provide strategic advice for the development of outreach programming for “Women in Business”
- A roundtable was held in June 2008 with key Ontario business-women to explore the issues raised in Dr. Bulte’s report.
- Young Women Entrepreneurs Conference, aimed at encouraging young women in high school and post-secondary levels to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
- The goal was to stimulate a culture of entrepreneurship among Ontario’s youth and young women and allow them to explore the reward of owning and managing their own businesses.
- Legislation for College of Early Childhood Educators passed.
- Establishes high professional standards and training for early childhood educators.
- "Voisin-es ami-es et familles" and Kanawayhitowin - Taking Care of Each Other's Spirit" campaigns launched
- With funding from OWD, “Voisin-es ami-es et familles” is launched in francophone communities and “Kanawayhitowin – Taking Care of Each Other’s Spirit” in Aboriginal communities.
- The aim of these campaigns is to help people recognize the signs of domestic violence and know what to do to safely intervene.
- Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin: I am a Kind Man"
- With funding from OWD, “Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin: I am a Kind Man” launched. The objective of this campaign is to engage and educate Aboriginal men and boys to speak out against all forms of abuse against Aboriginal women and girls.
- Violence prevention training delivered to 30 First Nations Communities in Northern Ontario.
- With OWD funding Ontario Works service providers on First Nations are trained to better respond to the need of abused women and their children.
- Training for Police Communicators
- As part of Domestic Violence Action Plan, OWD supported training of 300 police officers and dispatchers on how to improve their response to domestic violence calls and better understand the impact strangulation can have on victim’s behavior and voice.
- Later the OWD incorporated learnings on strangulation into training for Emergency Department physicians and nurses.
- Training for Health Care Professionals
- OWD’s expert panel launches its training program for health care professionals through Women’s College Hospital. Physicians can earn Continuing Medical Education credits (CMEs) by taking this course.
- SafePet Program
- OWD supports the SafePet program implemented by Ontario Veterinary Medical Association to provide foster care for pest of women who are leaving an abusive.
- According to the OSPCA; 48% of surveyed Ontario women who had left their abusive partner said that their pets delayed their decision to leave an abusive partner and; 61% of surveyed Ontario women who had left their abusive partner stated that their partners had brutalized or killed a pet.
- “Leading Girls Building Communities Award” Launched
- OWD established this award to recognize young women, aged 18 years and under who demonstrate exceptional leadership to improve the lives of others and champion issues that lead to positive social change in their schools, communities or province.
- Recipients of the inaugural award were: Sarah Dell, 18, Co-creator of the Easter Seals Scholarship program that provides substantial post-secondary scholarships for students with disabilities; Jenna Lambert, 15, was the first female with a disability to swim across Lake Ontario and; Nicole Turner 16 was an advocate for herself and others, confronting stereotypes about the potential, talents and abilities of girls with physical disabilities.
2006
- Family Arbitration in accordance with Ontario Law
- Following consultations supported by the Ontario Women’s Directorate and Ministry of Attorney General, Bill 27 was introduced and passed. This bill modifies the Arbitration Act, The Child and Family Services Act and the Family Law Act. Under the new legislation family arbitration is conducted exclusively in accordance with the law of Ontario and other Canadian laws.
- This legislation responded to women’s groups’ concerns that religious arbitrations, if upheld by Ontario courts, could, in some cases infringe on women’s rights.
- “Leading Women Building Communities Award” launched
- Program honours women for exceptional community leadership. This program is ongoing and MPPS are invited to nominate candidates from their ridings for the award.
- The first “Leading Women, Building Communities” award was presented by Minister Pupatello to then OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface as part of the 2006 International Women’s Week.
- As part of Women’s History Month in October 2006, awards were presented to three Aboriginal women leaders for contributions to their communities and to Ontario: Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres; Elder Lillian McGregor with the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, and the Honourable Madame Justice Rose Boyko were recognized through this award.
- Funding to help women entrepreneurs living in rural Northern Ontario access resources to start their own businesses
- Services included increasing women’s access to credit, skills training, child care, transportation support, networking and other programs and activities promoting economic development. The funding was provided under the government’s Rural Economic Development plan.
- “In Her Shoes: Shifting Perspectives on Working with Women in Conflict with the Law” conference.
- MCSCS sponsored conference focused on women in institutional and community care. Domestic violence court program evaluation. Conference provided empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the program. Conference held to share best practices.
- OWD holds a provincial “Sports and the Empowerment of Females” conference.
- The conference brought together leaders from sport, education, health promotion and violence prevention communities to share ideas on how to engage and empower women and girls through sport, and also to address abuse in sport.
- Bail Safety Project launched.
- This program provides trained teams of Crown prosecutors, victim services staff and police to conduct in-depth interviews with victims of domestic violence at the bail stage. This is a time of high risk for victims. The Bail Safety Program helps identify high-risk situations, allowing Crown prosecutors to make better recommendations at bail hearings to help stop the cycle of violence.
- Training for Ontario Works providers to better respond to abused women
- With OWD funding, Ontario Works providers across Ontario, including First Nations Staff trained to better respond to abused women.
- The Children’s Law Reform Act Amended
- Children’s Law Reform act amended to require that courts consider domestic violence when making orders relating to the custody of or access to a child.
- Networking sessions for female youth justice employees are organized throughout the province
- Over 1000 women participated
- 16 sessions were held in 2006; 17 sessions in 2007
- Amendments to the Child and Family Services Act provide for a greater range of custody options
- Amendments provide a greater range of options with respect to custody, access, supervision and restraining orders which can be made by the court in child protection matter, including cases where there is domestic violence.
- OWD launches new employment training programs for women experiencing, or at risk of, domestic violence.
- Since 2006 1800 women have received skills training under this program.
- “Healthy Equal Relationships” Public Education Campaign
- OWD launches campaign with TV ad and funding for community organizations. Over 100,000 young people are engaged through community programs over four years. Resources are developed to help elementary school teachers across Ontario incorporate teaching about health equal relationships in the curriculum courses.
- “Ogi Mashesh – Youth as Leaders Violence Prevention Project” is an example of one of many initiatives under the campaign. Minwaashin Lodge/Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre Ottawa partnered with Aboriginal communities to develop youth-driven educational products to promote healthy, equal relationships.
- Neighbours, Friends and Family
- OWD’s expert panel on public education launches ‘Neighbours, Friends and Families’ public education campaign, designed to help people recognize the warning signs of woman abuse and know what to do. The multi-year campaign is co-ordinated through the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children and is active in over 200 communities.
- Bill 211 passed to eliminate the ability of Ontario employers to require employees to retire at age 65
- These legislative provisions benefit women whose careers began late or were interrupted due to childcare and other responsibilities.
2005
- “Finding Common Ground: Experts, Professionals and Front-line Workers” Conference
- As part of the Domestic Violence Action Plan, OWD holds a provincial conference which brought together representatives of health, education, justice and social service organizations from across Ontario. The conference featured more than 100 speakers including Gloria Steinem and Judy Rebick as keynote speakers. Deepa Mehta presented “Let’s Talk About It” her award winning documentary on domestic violence. Over 1500 people participated in this event (in person and by webcast).
- Funding for Community Based Services under Domestic Violence Action Plan
- Support for MCSS community based services such as shelters, transitional support and child witness services increased by 46%.
- Forums for Justice Sector Workers
- OWD supports forums for PAR programs and domestic violence co-ordinators.
- Training established on treating and caring for women who have experienced domestic violence
- As part of the domestic violence action plan, OWD establishes training programs for professionals on domestic violence. Since 2005 more than 30,000 professionals in health, education, justice and social service sectors have been trained on evidence-based practices for treating and caring for women who have experienced domestic violence.
- Women's College Hospital declared a Center of Excellence in Women's Health
- Ontario Government announces plans to make Women’s College Hospital a self-governed institution again.
- Implementation of gender specific programming and accommodation for females in the province’s secure custody, open custody and youth detention facilities.
- Staff work specifically to report the development of healthy relationships and skill acquisition while addressing the risk/need factors that bring young women into conflict with the law.
2004
- Ontario's Domestic Violence Action Plan
- Ontario’s Domestic Violence Action Plan developed by OWD and launched by the Premier. The Action Plan was developed by the OWD through province-wide consultations led by the parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, and through the support of OWD’s Inter-ministry Committee on Women’s Issues. A steering committee comprised of thirteen Ministers and chaired by the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues was formed to provide oversight of implementation of the Action Plan.
- Supporting Woman Abuse Survivors as Mothers: A Resource to Support Parenting
- This resource developed with funding from the OWD, is written for service providers assisting women who have survived women abuse. Material addresses the needs of abused women as mothers; how abusive men parent; how abusive men affect family dynamics; effects of power and control tactics on mothers; the potential impact of woman abuse on children of different ages and; strategies used by young people to cope with violence in their homes. Guidance on parenting children exposed to violence is also offered.
- OWD supports a series of regional conferences including:
- ‘Shifting the Paradigm: Creating a Multi-Cultural Framework for Services to Abused Immigrant Women’
- ‘Eliminating Violence against Women and Children: We all Win’
- Intersections between domestic violence and childhood maltreatment; making women and children safer by working with abusive fathers’
- ‘Girl Power! Train the Trainers Youth Symposium’
- ‘Children Exposed to domestic violence: It’s Everybody’s Concern’
- Provincial Forum on Violence Against Women in Francophone Ontario
- Employment Standards Act amended to create Family Medical Leave
- This allows employees covered by the Act to take up to eight weeks of unpaid leave of absence to provide care or support to specified family members.
- In 2006 a new regulation was created to expand eligibility to include additional family members and persons who consider the employee to be like a family member. These amendments are expected to be of particular benefit to women because over 60% of family caregivers in Canada are women and two-throds of those are in the paid workforce.
- Employment Standards Act amended to increase the general minimum wage
- After a nine year minimum wage freeze (1995 -2004) of $6.85/hour, Ontario’s minimum wage rises to $7.15 and rises every year until 2010. The current (2013) minimum wage is $10.25 per hour.
- Increases in minimum wage particularly benefit women because two-thirds of minimum wage earners are women.
2003
- Workplaces that Work
- OWD, with the assistance of the Conference Board of Canada creates resources to promote family friendly workplaces on behalf of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial status of women forum.
- Domestic Violence Death Review Committee established
- Domestic Violence Death Review Committee established under the Chief Coroner of Ontario. The committee was established to investigate and review deaths involving domestic violence, and to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths in similar circumstances. Since 2003 it has issued annual reports which have helped to inform the work of OWD and government ministries.
- OPP Implemented policy requiring officers to complete a domestic violence risk indication tool
- The DV supplementary report became required in all domestic violence occurrences, regardless of whether a charge is laid. Completing a risk indicator tool in all case of domestic violence enables police to better assess and help prevent the risk or potential risk of harm to women/children, and to offer appropriate services, safety plan assistance and/or intervention.
- OWD supports a wide range of initiatives to encourage girls to enter non-traditional occupations
- Women in Science Consortium for programs to encourage girls to pursue careers in science and engineering. Accomplishments include the creation of a girl-centrered website that features career profiles of women in science and engineering; the distribution of a new pamphlet for parents to encourage girls to pursue science; and the delivery of 50 “Ready, Set Go!” worshops in 20 highschools across Ontario.
- Le Réseau socioaction des femmes francophones (RéSAFF) to develop a website and network to increase Francophone girls and young women’s awareness of career pathways.
- Halton Industry Education Council hold career awareness events for hundreds of young women and women from the community who act as role models.
- Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) examining ways to strengthen women’s participation and build on successful initiatives to advance women in sciences.
2002
2001
- Equal Voice Founded
- Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada.
- Equal Voice regards the equal representation of women in Canada's Parliament, in provincial/territorial legislatures, and on municipal and band councils, as a fundamental question of fairness for women in terms of their access to Canada’s democratic institutions.
- Understanding the Effects of Domestic Violence, A trainer’s manual for Early Childhood Educators
- With funding from the OWD, The Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System, London Family Court Clinic produced a training manual and handbook on children and domestic violence. Training provided to college students in the faculties of early childhood education.
2000
- Sexual Assault Treatment Centres in Hospitals Expanded
- With funding from OWD, sexual assault treatment centres in hospitals expanded to also include supports for domestic violence victims.
- MCSS Launches New Transitional Housing Support and Child Witness programs.
- Special Priority Housing Policy Implemented
- OWD and ministry of housing work together to implement special priority housing policy under the Social Housing Reform Act.
- Beverley McLachlin appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
- This makes her the first woman to head the country’s Supreme Court.
- McLachlin is now longest standing Chief Justice in the history of the Supreme Court of Canada.
1999
- Joint Committee on Violence Report
- OWD participated in the committee chaired by Judge Lesley Baldwin. The joint committee tabled a report to the Attorney General on strategies to address the 213 recommendations from the inquest into the murder of Arlene May.
- Same-sex marriage recognized in Ontario’s Human Rights Code
- Bill 5 receives Royal Assent amending the Ontario Human Rights Code. “Marital status” is defined in section 10 of the Code as “the status of being married, single, widowed, divorced or separated and includes the status of living with a person in a conjugal relationship outside marriage”, including both same-sex and opposite sex relationships. (October 28)
- Women in Skilled Trades Program (WIST)
- OWD establishes Women In Skilled Trades Program (WIST) to support low income women to train for higher paying careers, while at the same time addressing the projected talent shortage in the Ontario Labour Market. In 2001 Information Technology is added to the program, which is renamed WIST-IT.
- Since 2003 Ontario has trained over 2,200 women in skilled trade programs
- First woman President and CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange
- Barbara Stymiest named the first woman to be President and CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange. She becomes the first woman president of a North American stock exchange.
1998
- Coroner’s Inquest into the Domestic Violence Murder of Arlene May
- 26 major recommendations made by the Inquest that addressed all aspects of the failure to protect Arlene May from Randy Isles, a man who had a well-known history of domestic violence, and legal access to purchase firearms.
1997
- First specialized domestic violence courts established in Toronto and North York.
- Supreme Court of Canada Decision restricting sexual violence defence use of third party records.
1996
- Women's College Hospital establishes Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative
- Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) is Canada's first comprehensive assessment and lifestyle program for women with existing or potential heart problems. This program is affiliated with the University of Toronto to actively train health-care professionals of the future.
1995
- Canadian Employment Equity Act of 1995
- The purpose of this Act is to achieve equality in the workplace so that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and, in the fulfillment of that goal, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities by giving effect to the principle that employment equity means more than treating persons in the same way but also requires special measures and the accommodation of differences.
- Women’s College Hospital designated as a World Health Organization Colaborating Centre in Women’s Health
- The first in this hemisphere. The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ agency for health. WCH becomes part of an international network of collaborating centers to carry out work in support of WHO programs.
- ‘The Joke’s Over’
- “The Joke’s Over: Student to Student Sexual Harassment in Secondary Schools” was first produced by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation with funding from OWD.
1994
- OWD task force on Female Genital Mutilation.
- The Task Force, an inter-ministerial/agency/community initiative, was mandated to develop and recommend strategies and policies designed to provide support for girls and women who have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation; to prevent the practice and; to support community work by, and for women affected by genital mutilation.
1993
- Training Created on Employment Equity in the Construction Industry
- Working in partnership with the Building Trades Council, OWD developed training materials on equity issues for union tradespeople and apprenticeship trainers in the construction industry.
- Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey reports that 12% of women in Ontario experienced domestic violence in the previous five years.
- In the most recent survey (StatCan 2009) 6% of Ontario women report experience domestic violence in the previous five years.
- Kim Campbell elected first female Prime Minister of Canada on June 25th.
- Ontario’s Jean Augustine was the first black woman elected to the House of Commons
- United Nation Adopts declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women
1992
- Words that Count Women In – A guide to inclusive language
- OWD produced a popular guide to inclusive language: Words that Count Women In. Intense media coverage following the distribution of this publication resulted in the need for a second edition only two months after the publication’s launch.
- Workplace Education
- In a joint venture between OWD and Ontario Hydro, a workplace education program was implemented for employees to enact social change and to reduce incidences of violence against women.
- “Towards Women’s Safety Forum”
- Co-sponsored by OWD, this forum provided women survivors of abuse with the chance to meet service providers, representatives of the justice system and government to discuss ways to end male violence.
- Creation of Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy
- More than 7000 people provided input about the need to address family violence and health and well-being among Aboriginal people in Ontario.
- The Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy evolved out of the consultations.
- “Provincial Government Cabinet Forum on Northern Women’s Issues”
- This forum, funded by OWD, was held by the North-western Ontario Women’s Decade Council. The forum attended by five Ontario ministers and nine ministerial representatives, heard presentations from North-western Ontario women’s groups on issues such as child care, family law, training and employment, and violence against women.
- Ontario native, Roberta Bondar, became the first Canadian woman astronaut in space.
1991
- White Ribbon Campaign
- White Ribbon Campaign created in Ontario with support from OWD. Ontario was the leader in initiating the global effort to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and preventing gender based violence.
- Midwifery becomes a funded healthcare service in Ontario
- Ontario became the first province to recognize, regulate and fund midwifery as a health profession and a health care service. Midwives are now autonomous practitioners within Ontario’s healthcare system.
- Working in Ontario Published
- A public education guidebook produced by the OWD, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Citizenship. This guidebook provided information on workplace laws, rights and responsibilities, with a special focus on immigrant and racial minority communities. This publication was written in six languages.
- The Campus Safety Audit Kit introduced
- The OWD, through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities funded two special projects: The Campus Safety Audit Kit, sponsored by the Council of Ontario Universities; and “The Chilly Climate on Campus” video produced by the University of Western Ontario.
- “L’équité d’emploi: C’est Quoi?” Forum
- OWD hosted the first provincial forum geared toward Francophone workplace equity practitioners in the public sector. “L’équité d’emploi: C’est Quoi?” attend by over 75 participants in Sudbury.
- Paid Work and Family Policy Guide for Employers
- OWD designed and produced the Managers Training Workshop and Guide, and off-the-shelf training tool for human resource staff or line managers on implementing paid work and family policies within their organizations.
1990
- Fem'aide - Helpline for Francophone Ontarians Established
- Fem'aide offers French-speaking women who have experienced gender-based violence, support, information and referral to appropriate front-line services within their communities.
- Expanded Parental Leave in Ontario
- OWD worked with Ministry of Labour for more generous changes to the Employment Standards Act, which resulted in expanded parental leave of 18 weeks for Ontario workers, making Ontario the leader in family-supportive labour legislation in Canada. Today parental leave is 37 weeks.
- Bill C-43 Defeated
- OWD co-ordinated a provincial submission against the enactment of Bill C-43 to the Senate. The bill, which would have made abortion part of the Criminal Code and restricted reproductive choice, was defeated.
- “More than Just a Job/Ça Prend due Métier”
- OWD produced and distributed resources for students and teachers including “More than Just a Job/Ça Prend due Métier” a video and facilitator’s guide; and Background Materials and Curriculum Resources to Encourage Females in the Fields of Mathematics, Science and Technology: An Annotated Bibliography
- Employment Equity Workshops Across Ontario
- OWD presented 18 workplace equity workshops to over 600 employment equity and human resource practitioners in the public sector, with topics ranging from an introduction to employment equity to the implementation of a workplace equity plan.
1989
- “Equity in Action” and “Linking for Employment” Conferences
- Two conferences held: “Equity in Action” which introduced eight new OWD-developed employment equity resources and training tools to workplace stakeholders and; “Linking for Employment”, which brought together employers with associations who represent equity-seeking groups to discuss workplace equity issues.
- “Something to Talk About”
- OWD introduced an employment equity training video “Something to Talk About”. This project was co-produced by OWD and Canada Packers.
- “Eight Hours a Day/Huit Heures par Jour”
- OWD launched role-modelling promotion package “Eight Hours a Day/Huit Heures par Jour” – video and “Be All You Can Do/Donne-toi le choix” manual.
- December 6: 14 women engineering students murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique
- This tragedy mobilized people across Canada in the effort to end gender violence.
1988
- January 1 - Ontario's Pay Equity Act proclaimed
- The Act describes the minimum requirements for ensuring that an employer's compensation practices provide pay equity for all employees in female job classes. The purpose of this Act is to redress systemic gender discrimination in compensation for work performed by employees in female job classes.
- “Wife Assault: It is a Crime” Ad Campaign
- OWD produced award-winning television ads and a new poster as part of the phase two public education campaign on wife assault prevention, focusing on the theme “Wife Assault: It is a Crime”.
- “Employment Equity – The Winning Edge” conference held by OWD
- January 28 – Supreme Court rules Canada’s Abortion Law is unconstitutional.
- The Supreme Court of Canada strikes down Canada's abortion law as unconstitutional.
- Chief Justice Brian Dickson wrote: "Forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations, is a profound interference with a woman's body and thus a violation of her security of the person." Canada becomes one of a small number of countries without a law restricting abortion.
1987
- Series of workshops for immigrant and racial minority women, jointly sponsored by OWD and the Ministry of Citizenship.
1986
- “Joint Family Violence Initiatives” Introduced
- Ontario’s first coordinated government strategy to address woman abuse, the “Joint Family Violence Initiatives” introduced (later called “Wife Assault Prevention Initiatives”) Initiatives included funding for women’s shelters, public education and prevention programs, and the establishment of language interpreter services for domestic violence victims, the Victim Witness Assistance Program and other law enforcement/justice initiatives.
- “Change Agent” program established
- In co-operation with major employers, unions and community associations, OWD developed eight “Change Agent” projects. These included the publication Employment Equity for Aboriginal Women with the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association; the video “Not Just a Foot in the Door” with the Ontario Federation of Labour; and Integrating Women into Industrial Sales with Safety Supply Canada Ltd.
- “Pathmakers” Established
- This pilot role-modelling program linking women studying for non-traditional jobs in a college or university, with high school students. Jointly sponsored by the directorate and the Ministries of Education and Colleges and Universities.
1985
- Assaulted Women's Helpline created with funding from MCSS
- OWD green paper to promote discussion of pay equity.
- Leads to province-wide consultation.
- “Women of Ontario” Public Education commercials
- OWD commissioned video “Women in Ontario” and airing of award winning television commercials on wife assault as part of ongoing public education initiative.
- First information sessions for police officers on wife assault.
- Employment Equity Incentive Fund established
- This fund was created for a two-year period to provide $4.3 million for programs in school boards, hospitals, municipalities and universities.
- “Here Today, Where Tomorrow”
- OWD production of award winning film “Here Today, Where Tomorrow”, a docu-drama encouraging young women to continue studying science.
- Changes to Indian Act
- Indian Act is changed so that Aboriginal women who marry non-status men can retain their Indian status. The act was changed 14 years after Ontario’s Jeanette Corbiere Lavell launched an unsuccessful court challenge to overturn sex discrimination in the Indian Act.
- The Act continues to be a contentious issue. Although the Indian Act has been amended over the years, it remains contentious among Aboriginal peoples. Some argue the Act should be maintained because it commits the Government of Canada to the recognition of the special legal status of Aboriginal people. Other Aboriginal peoples would like to see the act repealed because it is part of a paternalistic and colonial past. It is also contentious among non-Aboriginal peoples because of the special provisions the Indian Act provides (such as exemption from taxation).
- Section 15 became part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Section 15 of the Canadian Charter contains guaranteed equality rights: “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.” April 17, 1985.
- Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) Founded
- April 19, 1985 LEAF was founded. Each of the founding mothers played a crucial role in ensuring women’s rights were a central component of our Canadian charter and in Canada’s history.
1984
- Abella Commission – Foundation of the Employment Equity Act of 1995
- Justice Rosalie Abella considered the US term affirmative action but decided not to use it because of the emotions and ill will surrounding affirmative action Instead, she created the term “employment equity” for the Canadian context. Her report became the foundation of the Employment Equity Act of 1986 (amended as the Employment Equity Act of 1995).
- Women’s College Hospital opened Ontario’s first hospital-based centre for victims of sexual assault.
- OWD initiated the Ontario Government’s comprehensive review of child care policy.
- “Open Doors” Established
- This role-modelling program, created by OWD, brought women working in non-traditional jobs into contact with students in six pilot communities across Ontario.
- “Jobs for the Future” conference on women, employment and technology
- Jeanne Sauve becomes first female Governor General of Canada.
1983
- Ontario Women's Directorate created
- Deputy Premier Robert Welch appointed as Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues in June 1983. The Ontario Women's Directorate was established with a primary focus on pay equity and employment equity with the public service. Today OWD promotes women's equality with a focus on ending violence against women and increasing women's economic security.
- Rape laws broadened to sexual assault laws.
- For the first time it is a criminal offence for a man to rape his wife.
- Attorney General of Ontario directs police to lay charges in domestic violence cases.
- A Federal/Provincial/Territorial Task Force on justice for victims of crime recommended the development of written guidelines directing that wife assault be treated as a criminal offence. This was a departure from historic treatment of woman abuse as a “private matter”.
- Eight women Members of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament.
- By 2013 there are 25 women MPPs
