A special interest group, also known as a lobby group, is a group of individuals or organizations that come together to influence public policy. In Canada, interest groups may engage in a variety of activities, such as lobbying government officials, conducting research and public education campaigns, and organizing grassroots efforts to advance their agenda. These groups often focus on specific issues or industries, and may also represent the interests of particular communities. Special interest groups play a significant role in the Canadian political system, and they can have a significant impact on the development and implementation of public policy.
Public opinion refers to the collective views held by members of a society on a particular issue or political decision. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the media, political leaders, and social and economic conditions. Public opinion is often measured through surveys and polls, which can provide insight into the attitudes and beliefs of the general population on a wide range of issues. In a democracy, public opinion can play a significant role in shaping government policy and decision-making. It can also serve as a check on the power of elected officials and other leaders, as public support or opposition to their actions can affect their ability to govern effectively.
In 2009 a coalition of 14 different provincial and territorial shelter organizations came together to form Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC). The network of shelters provides a unified voice on the national stage advocating against gender-based violence(GBV). The WSC increases awareness about GBV to ensure that policies, legislation and regulations are informed by the experiences and insights of violence survivors and victims, WSC members, and leading experts.
The vision of the WSC network is that everybody matters – people of all genders, all cultures, all faiths, all abilities are valued and have equitable access to resources, power and justice, and all are safe from violence; society uses an inclusive, intersectional, equity-based lens to make decisions; organizations and systems are collaborative and accountable; and, the Earth, on which we all depend for survival, is protected.
The WSC has compiled a list of bills, legislation, and policy changes related to violence against women (VAW). The compilation is intended to keep the VAW network up to date on important changes by providing a condensed summary of information.
Research reports, discussion papers, policy briefs, and high-level environmental scans are produced by Women's Shelters Canada on a variety of topics related to violence against women (VAW), including the relationship between VAW, housing and homelessness, the steps necessary to establish a National Action Plan on VAW, and the trends and developments within the VAW shelter sector. Women’s Shelters Canada has developed four other comprehensive reports including a study on second-stage shelters in Canada; a survey on developing a national profile of women’s shelters; a national action plan on violence against women; and, a housing, homelessness and violence against women report.
The WSC’s study on second-stage shelters in Canada examines the level of support offered to survivors of intimate partner violence, and how second-stage shelters address housing gaps and help break the cycle of abuse. The study consists of four key parts: an extensive literature review, a national survey, interviews with survivors and executive directors, and two focus groups. The survey received 97 responses – a 72% response rate – from every province and territory except Nunavut, where there are currently no second-stage shelters. The report concluded with 6 key findings and 7 recommendations.
From: Sara Podwysocka
In 1991 the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) officially launched. The organization was created due to limited advocacy on gender equality. Since the launch of the organization their donations and partnerships have contributed more than $185 million to fund over 3,000 life-altering programs throughout Canada. Through funding, research, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, they work to achieve systemic change.
The CWF has three main goals of transforming lives, improving communities, and changing systems. They transform lives by creating programs that help women, girls, and gender-diverse people move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership. They improve communities by strengthening the organizations and the groups that help those who need it most. Lastly, they change systems by challenging biases, building awareness, and advocating for policies and practices that make life better for everyone impacted by gender injustice.
The organization has a dedicated policy team that regularly submits briefs and recommendations to the government, bringing an intersectional lens to decision-making processes. Below there is a select review of their advocacy initiatives.