Indigenous Women & Global Leadership

Ontario Native Women’s Association builds partnerships, highlights youth voices at global conference (May 2, 2026): The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) participated in the 2026 Women Deliver Conference in Melbourne, joining over 6,500 advocates from 170 countries to advance women’s rights. ONWA emphasized Indigenous women’s leadership and the importance of transforming community stories into policy action, while also elevating youth voices as leaders today. The organization plans to bring new global partnerships and strategies back to Ontario communities to strengthen Indigenous-led advocacy. Source link → CBC  News

Women’s Health & Mental Health

$5-million to celebrate advancing women’s mental health research with womenmind™ (May 4, 2026): The Treliving family donated $5 million to CAMH’s womenmind initiative to expand research on women’s mental health and gender-specific care. The program focuses on how biological and social factors—from puberty to menopause—shape mental health outcomes and treatment responses. This funding will support continued innovation, mentorship, and global leadership in addressing disparities in women’s mental health research. Source link → Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Expert says birth control myths not backed by evidence (May 4, 2026):
A Toronto gynecologist is challenging widespread misinformation about hormonal birth control, stating that fears about infertility, weight gain, and required “detox” breaks are largely unsupported. Dr. Julie Thorne explained that fertility typically returns quickly after stopping most contraceptives and emphasized that methods like pills, IUDs, and implants are safe and effective. She urged people to seek reliable sources of sexual health information to counter harmful online myths. Source link → CTV  News

Advocates slam Health Canada’s voluntary breast implant registry (May 6, 2026): Health Canada launched a voluntary registry to notify patients about breast implant safety issues, but advocates say it is inadequate. Critics argue that opt-in systems capture only a small fraction of patients and fail to ensure proper tracking of risks such as rare cancers and autoimmune conditions. Many experts and politicians are calling for a mandatory registry to better protect women’s health and improve accountability. Source link → CBC  News

British Columbia to let midwives prescribe abortion pill and other drugs (May 7, 2026): British Columbia is expanding midwives’ scope of practice to include prescribing the abortion pill Mifegymiso and other medications. The change is intended to improve access to reproductive health care and reduce barriers by allowing patients to receive more comprehensive care from a single provider. The move aligns B.C. with only a few other provinces and is expected to enhance continuity of care for patients. Source link → Canadian Press

Violence Against Women & Justice

Chiefs of Ontario Marks Red Dress Day, Calls for Urgent Action as MMIWG2S+ Funding Ends (May 5, 2026): On Red Dress Day, the Chiefs of Ontario called attention to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. Leaders expressed alarm that federal funding for critical support programs has lapsed, putting essential services and advocacy work at risk. They are urging immediate reinstatement and expansion of funding to address violence and support affected families and communities. Source link → Chiefs of Ontario

9 women come forward in Edmonton sexual assault investigation (May 6, 2026): Nine women have reported being drugged and sexually assaulted by a man they met on dating apps, with police laying additional charges. Investigators believe there may be more victims and are encouraging survivors to come forward as the case expands. Authorities stress the importance of survivor-centered approaches and support for those affected. Source link → Global News

London police seek more victims after human trafficking arrest (May 6, 2026): A man has been charged with trafficking and exploiting a woman across multiple Ontario cities over several years. Police say he controlled her work, finances, and movements while profiting from sexual services. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging others to come forward. Source link → CTV News

Arrests made in Guelph human trafficking investigation (May 5, 2026):
Two Toronto men have been arrested and charged in connection with the trafficking and sexual exploitation of two youths. Police allege the victims were recruited through social media and exploited across southwestern Ontario. Authorities are continuing to investigate and believe more victims may be involved. Source link → City News

Toronto police warn public after convicted sex offender released into city (May 7, 2026): Toronto police issued a public warning after the release of a convicted sex offender considered a high risk to the community. The individual has a history of violent sexual offences and must follow strict conditions, including reporting relationships with women. Authorities warn that vulnerable populations, including sex workers, may be at particular risk. Source link → Global News

Policy, Law & Institutional Reform

Liberals move ahead with military sexual misconduct reform bill (May 8, 2026): The federal government has revived legislation to transfer responsibility for prosecuting military sexual offences to civilian courts, following recommendations from Louise Arbour. The reform aims to address longstanding concerns about how the military has handled sexual misconduct cases. However, the bill remains controversial, with critics arguing it may limit justice options for survivors. Source link → CBC News