Press release
Introduction of Bill No. 4: The Act respecting the communication of information for the purpose of protecting against intimate partner violence

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) welcomes the introduction of Bill No. 4: The Act respecting the communication of information for the purpose of protecting against intimate partner violence and emphasizes the importance of strengthening prevention tools in cases of domestic violence.

For the QFL, any measure that allows a person at risk to obtain relevant information in order to assess certain risks and put protective measures in place represents an important step forward.

“Intimate partner violence often develops gradually, through control, fear, and isolation. Any tool that allows a person at risk to obtain relevant information more quickly can help strengthen their safety,” said QFL Secretary General Olivier Carrière.

However, the QFL stresses that the actual scope of this law will largely depend on the regulatory framework and the mechanisms that will accompany its implementation. It will be particularly important to clarify the nature of the information that may be shared by police services, as well as the conditions required to ensure safe, consistent, and truly accessible application. This implementation must also be carried out in consultation with organizations, frontline workers, and resource persons who support victims on a daily basis. 

“For this law to be truly effective, it must be safely accessible to all persons at risk, including those already experiencing precariousness, marginalization, or distrust of institutions,” added QFL Vice-President for Women’s Affairs, Nathalie Lapointe.

The QFL also recalls that the fight against intimate partner violence must remain part of a broader and more sustainable response aimed at strengthening community resources, shelters, prevention efforts, and the conditions that allow people experiencing violence to leave dangerous situations safely.

Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.