Gender-Based Violence & Safety

‘Cannot be forgiven’: Man sentenced to 12 years for killing Manitoba woman in 2007 (March 28, 2026): A Vancouver man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 2007 killing of Crystal Saunders, a 24-year-old Métis woman, after DNA technology linked him to the crime nearly two decades later. Saunders’ family described years of unresolved grief and criticized the manslaughter plea that reduced the original murder charge. The case underscores ongoing failures in justice for Indigenous women and highlights how technological advances are reopening cold cases. Source link → City  News

Report highlights isolation, lack of resources for rural Manitobans experiencing gender-based violence (April 1, 2026): A new study from southwestern Manitoba reveals that women experiencing gender-based violence in rural communities face extreme isolation, limited transportation, housing shortages, and fear of community reprisal. Survivors often must leave their towns entirely to access safety, disrupting employment, schooling, and family ties. The report calls for trauma‑informed rural services, survivor‑led networks, and improved RCMP training. Source link → CBC News

High-risk sex offender expected to live in Winnipeg, police warn (April 2, 2026): Winnipeg police issued a public warning about the release of a high‑risk convicted sex offender deemed likely to reoffend against women. Authorities urged vigilance while acknowledging the fear such notices create for women in affected communities. The story highlights ongoing tensions between community safety, carceral approaches, and survivor-centred prevention. Source link → CBC News

Sextortion on the rise – what the public needs to know (April 1, 2026): Winnipeg Police report a growing rise in sextortion cases targeting women and youth using intimate images as tools of coercive control. Many victims delay seeking help due to fear and stigma, despite strong legal protections. Police emphasized education, prevention, and survivor support during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Source link → Winnipeg.ca

Reproductive Justice & Health Care Access

‘We need to feel supported’: Gaspé mother forced to travel to Montreal for urgent abortion speaks out (March 28, 2026):
A Gaspé Peninsula mother was required to travel nearly 900 kilometres to Montreal for a medically necessary abortion due to lack of local services. She described profound emotional, financial, and logistical strain during a time of perinatal loss. Advocates say the case illustrates systemic inequities in reproductive health access for women in remote regions. Source link → City News

Women, Work & Economic Inequality

Women less likely than men to get flexible work arrangements: survey (April 2, 2026): A national survey found women are significantly less likely than men to work for employers offering flexible or remote options, despite expressing stronger preferences for such arrangements. Researchers point to caregiving responsibilities and rigid workplace cultures as contributing factors. The findings raise concerns about widening gender inequities as employers roll back pandemic-era flexibility. Source link → CTV News

Housing & Poverty

‘Hidden’ homelessness disproportionately affects women and gender-diverse Calgarians, report finds (April 3, 2026): A Calgary report reveals women and gender-diverse people are more likely to experience “hidden homelessness,” such as couch-surfing or remaining in abusive relationships for shelter. Intimate partner violence was identified as a major pathway into housing precarity. Advocates call for gender-responsive housing policies and safer, affordable options. Source link → Calgary Hearld

Recovery, Healing & Women’s Resilience

Road to redemption: Woman credits Moncton-based organization for recovery (March 30, 2026): A Maritime woman shared her journey out of addiction and interpersonal violence through an all‑women’s recovery program in Moncton. After years of trauma, homelessness, and family separation, she is rebuilding her life with community support. The story highlights trauma‑informed recovery and women‑centred housing as key to long‑term healing. Source link → CTV News

Feminist History, Policy & Government Action

Canada’s journey towards gender equality (April 1, 2026): Women and Gender Equality Canada marked over 50 years of federal action on gender equality, tracing progress from suffrage and the Persons Case to modern GBV strategies. While celebrating gains in education, workforce participation, and legal protections, the report highlights persistent pay gaps and underrepresentation. The federal government reaffirmed commitments to intersectional policy, GBV prevention, and economic equity.. Source link → Canada.ca

Community Action

‘We’re doing this from our hearts:’ Charitable women’s clothing store opens in downtown Oshawa (April 3, 2026): A new women‑run clothing store in Oshawa opened with a commitment to donate at least 10 per cent of profits to local women’s charities. The founders envision the space as both a retail store and a supportive community hub for women facing hardship. The initiative reflects feminist models of mutual aid, dignity, and localized economic justice. Source link → Durham Region