On July 15, 2026
Accessibility, Trust and Support in Situations of Intimate Partner Violence: The Pivotal Role of Native Friendship Centres
Submitted as part of the consultations on Bill No. 4 – Act respecting the communication of information for the purpose of protecting against intimate partner violence, and amending various legislative provisions, this position paper highlights the realities of First Nations and Inuit living in urban areas. It emphasizes the critical importance of explicitly recognizing the role of urban Indigenous organizations, particularly Native Friendship Centres, in implementing the measures outlined in the Bill.
The position paper underscores that achieving the Bill’s objectives depends on being truly accessible to the individuals it aims to protect. For urban Indigenous populations, this accessibility requires support provided by trusted intermediaries, as well as a thorough consideration of family, community and cultural realities, all of which are essential conditions for the effectiveness of the proposed measures.