Health & Reproductive Justice

Alberta woman wants breast cancer screening changes to start now (April 26, 2026): An Alberta woman living with Stage 4 breast cancer is urging the province to immediately lower the self‑referral age for mammograms to 40 rather than waiting until 2027. Advocates argue earlier screening would prevent late‑stage diagnoses and reduce suffering, particularly as breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women. The province says the delay is necessary to prepare the health system, a justification critics say costs lives. Source link → CBC  News

Sexual Violence, Accountability & Justice System Reform

Jeffrey Sloka: Former neurologist acquitted on sexual assault charges can’t practice medicine (April 26, 2026): Although acquitted of criminal charges related to assaults alleged by dozens of female patients, former neurologist Jeffrey Sloka remains permanently barred from practising medicine. Ontario’s physicians’ college confirmed that professional discipline is separate from criminal law standards. Survivors and advocates say the decision highlights systemic failures in how sexual assault cases are handled. Source link → CTV  News

Waterloo MPP pushes for more accountability for how sexual assault cases are handled (April 27, 2026): Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife has renewed calls for “Lydia’s Law,” legislation aimed at improving transparency, survivor support, and court efficiency in sexual assault cases. The push follows outrage over lengthy trials and retraumatization of complainants. Survivors say systemic delays and hostile court environments discourage reporting. Source link → CTV  News

Women oppose publication bans in Nunavut sexual assault case (April 30, 2026): Three Inuit women are seeking to publicly identify themselves in a historical sexual assault case, arguing mandatory publication bans silence survivors rather than protect them. A 2023 Criminal Code amendment allows complainants greater control over these bans, but implementation remains uneven. Advocates say survivor autonomy is central to healing and justice. Source link → CBC  News

‘I felt compelled to bring justice for Melanie’: W5 investigation prompts bill to amend Criminal Code (April 29, 2026): A W5 investigation into rape videos shared online has prompted proposed federal legislation to criminalize the creation and possession of sexual assault material more severely. “Melanie’s Law” would align penalties with child pornography laws, closing legal gaps survivors say enable exploitation. Feminist advocates argue the bill reflects long‑ignored digital violence against women. Source link → CTV  News

Indigenous Women, MMIWG2S+ & Community Action

Ceremony in Okotoks to honour MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ (April 27, 2026):
A Red Dress Day ceremony in Okotoks will honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people through prayer, food, and community gathering. Organizers emphasize remembrance, education, and solidarity. The memorial also acknowledges harms caused by residential schools. Source link → Western Wheel

Walk planned for missing and murdered Indigenous people (April 28, 2026): A youth‑led walk in North Battleford will raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The event includes ceremony, education, and community leadership by Indigenous students. Organizers stress the importance of visibility and collective responsibility. Source link → Sask Today

March for murdered, missing Indigenous woman planned for Langley (April 29, 2026): Community members in Langley will gather for an MMIWG2S+ march to honour victims and demand systemic change. Organizers highlight ongoing investigations, including the disappearance of Kristina Ward. The march centers remembrance, justice, and public accountability. Source link → Langley Advanced Times

Not just statistics: Indigenous women missed, mourned (May 1, 2026):
As Red Dress Day approaches, communities in Nova Scotia are mourning recently murdered Indigenous women and reflecting on the disproportionate violence they face. Families and advocates stress that MMIWG are not statistics but deeply loved people. Calls for action, healing, and systemic change remain urgent. Source link → Saltwire

Province releases final cost of Manitoba landfill search for remains of murdered women (April 30, 2026): Manitoba confirmed the Prairie Green landfill search for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran cost $18.4 million, far less than projected. Families and advocates say the successful search proves such efforts are both possible and necessary. The work is framed as an act of dignity, justice, and respect. Source link → CTV  News

Intimate Partner Violence & Gender‑Based Homicide

Review finds intimate partner violence deaths preventable, calls on B.C. to do more (April 27, 2026): A B.C. coroner’s death review panel found that most intimate partner violence deaths between 2016 and 2024 were preventable. Women, Indigenous people, and those living in rural or northern areas were disproportionately killed despite prior warning signs and system contact. The report urges coordinated provincial action, better data collection, and sustained prevention funding. Source link → CBC  News

Sexual Assault, Charges & Sentencing

Police looking for surveillance video after reported sexual assault in Waterloo (April 27, 2026): Waterloo Regional Police are seeking home surveillance footage after a woman was sexually assaulted outside her residence by a stranger who followed her home. Investigators say community assistance is critical to identifying the suspect. The case highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety in residential spaces. Source link → CTV  News

17-year-old arrested and charged in Brampton trail sexual assault (April 28, 2026): Peel police arrested a 17‑year‑old in connection with a sexual assault on a woman walking on a park trail in Brampton. Investigators say the assault was unprovoked and caused physical injury. The case underscores ongoing safety risks for women in public outdoor spaces. Source link → CTV  News

Calgary man charged with sexual assaults after women raped outside at night in Beltline (April 28, 2026): Calgary police charged a man after DNA evidence linked him to two nighttime sexual assaults against women in the downtown Beltline. Both women were targeted after refusing demands for sex. Advocates note the attacks reflect patterns of gender‑based violence against vulnerable women. Source link → CBC  News

Police seek assistance in identifying sexual assault suspect (April 30, 2026): Calgary police are asking the public to help identify a man suspected of sexually assaulting two women in Fish Creek Park. The suspect reportedly watched one woman before attacking her while riding an e‑scooter. Police emphasize reporting even if victims are unsure or assaults occurred recently. Source link → Calgary.ca

Police seek help in locating sexual assault suspect (April 29, 2026): Greater Sudbury Police are warning the public about a man wanted on warrants for sexual assault and criminal harassment. Police believe he may be actively evading arrest and poses a safety risk. Victim identities are being protected due to the sensitive nature of the case. Source link → Sudbury.com

Northern Ont. suspect charged with sex assault of 16-year-old in 2025 (April 30, 2026): OPP charged a 19‑year‑old man in connection with the sexual assault of a 16‑year‑old reported months after the incident. Police reaffirmed their commitment to trauma‑informed investigations. The case reflects ongoing barriers youth face in disclosure. Source link → CTV News

Whitby man accused of sexually assaulting woman he met on Facebook dating app (May 1, 2026): Toronto police charged a Whitby man after an alleged sexual assault connected to an online dating meetup. Investigators believe he used multiple digital platforms to contact women. Police warn there may be additional victims. Source link → CTV News

Child Sexual Abuse & Institutional Harm

Former basketball coach sentenced for sexually assaulting 12‑year‑old girl (April 29, 2026): A former Montreal high school basketball coach received a nine‑year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a 12‑year‑old student. The judge emphasized the abuse of trust inherent in coach‑student relationships. The survivor described lasting harm to her development and sense of safety. Source link → CTV News

Daycare employee charged with sexual assault worked at Kidstown Daycare in west Edmonton (May 1, 2026): A daycare worker charged with sexual assault and sexual interference was confirmed to have worked at Kidstown Daycare. Authorities say the worker has been removed and is barred from childcare employment pending court proceedings. Police believe additional complainants may exist. Source link → CBC News

B.C. dance teacher charged with historical sex assaults (April 28, 2026): A former dance teacher with national prominence faces charges for historical sexual assaults and exploitation involving underage students. Police believe additional survivors may exist and are encouraging disclosure. The case highlights risks within youth arts institutions. Source link → Vancouver Sun

Fort St. John teacher charged with possessing child sexual abuse material (May 2, 2026): A northeastern B.C. elementary teacher has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse material. School officials say the allegations do not involve students, but the teacher has been removed from classrooms. The case raises concerns about safeguarding and oversight. Source link → CBC News

Human Trafficking & Drug‑Facilitated Violence

Dartmouth man facing human trafficking, sexual assault charges (May 1, 2026): Halifax police charged a Dartmouth man with multiple offences related to sexually exploiting and trafficking a survivor through violence and coercion. Nova Scotia continues to report some of the country’s highest per‑capita human trafficking rates. Police stress survivor‑centred enforcement. Source link → City News

Traffic stop east of Calgary leads to large ‘date rape’ drug seizure (April 30, 2026): RCMP seized nearly 250 litres of suspected GHB during a traffic stop, enough for tens of thousands of doses. Police believe the drug was intended for distribution in major cities. Advocates warn drug‑facilitated sexual assault remains under‑reported. Source link → City News

Politics, Accountability & Survivor Rights

Winnipeg city councillor accused of sexual assault removed from committees (April 30, 2026): Winnipeg council voted unanimously to remove a councillor from committees after sexual assault charges were laid. City leaders cited public trust despite the presumption of innocence. Feminist advocates view the move as a minimum accountability standard. Source link → Global News

Will MMIWG/TRC reports remain evidence in part of a Sask. court case? (May 1, 2026): Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal will decide whether excerpts from the TRC and MMIWG reports can remain evidence in a class action over discriminatory “birth alerts.” The case argues Indigenous mothers were disproportionately targeted. The outcome could shape how systemic evidence is used in court. Source link → Leader Post