Honourable senators, I rise today to speak at third reading of Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code.

In addition to voting in support of this bill, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with this chamber, not only as a member of this chamber and the committee charged with studying the bill but as a woman who has spent the better part of 35 years working with, for and in an alliance with youth, men and women who are victims of violence, particularly those marginalized by sex, class, race and disability. This included walking with and advocating on behalf of the first trans-identified woman who entered the prison for women in Kingston three decades ago and includes continued advocacy with and on behalf of trans prisoners.

The Statistics Canada study released yesterday entitled Women and the Criminal Justice System reveals violence against women also acts as barrier to the advancement of gender equality in Canada and around the world. Women experience different types of violence than men, making gender-based analysis important for the development of crime prevention measures. Despite requests for an analysis of the manner in which the new provisions might intersect with sex-based discrimination claims, and although a gender-based analysis of Bill C-16 was conducted, these requests were either ignored, dismissed or utilized for alternate political purposes, in my opinion.

This troubles me. In fact, I find it frankly inexcusable that some of those polarized in their arguments used the issue of violence against women and children to prop up their differing perspectives on the bill. Reviewing the evidence, it's clear that the issues of violence against women appear to be used as a proverbial political football by individuals who have not previously demonstrated willingness or do not have a demonstrated record of willingness to truly address the misogyny, racism, classist and ablest biases that allow violence against women to continue virtually unchecked.

It is our duty to contribute to legislation that protects the rights of those who are most marginalized and ensure the advancement of equality for all. As such, I encourage all of us to show similar enthusiasm and vigour to challenge this or any other legislation, should it ever be used to undermine the rights of those struggling to end violence against women. Thank you. Meegwetch.