NSNDP

December 15th, 2017

Statement by Lenore Zann on Sexual Violence Prevention Committee's recommendations

HALIFAX – NDP Spokesperson for Advanced Education Lenore Zann made the following statement in response to recommendations made today by the government’s Sexual Violence Prevention Committee to prevent sexual violence on university campuses:

“Today’s recommendations are a step in the right direction but do not go far enough to ensure a safe environment for post-secondary students.

This fall, half of our universities had not met the requirement to implement stand-alone sexual assault policies, as outlined in their funding agreement with the Liberal government. Our experience has shown that a system of enforcement is needed to ensure these recommendations are implemented.

It is time to create legislation that requires our post-secondary institutions to act. A year ago this fall, I introduced the Safer Universities and Colleges Act on behalf of the NDP that would guarantee universities had sexual violence policies and supports. I encourage the government to consider again using their legislative authority to hold our public institutions to account to guarantee the safety and well-being of students.”

On Monday, Zann hosted a Feminist Roundtable on behalf of the NDP Caucus for women’s centres and sexual assault centres from across the province and individuals working to prevent sexualized violence. All representatives expressed the need for stable, core funding to support their work and expand projects that have proven successful.

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