The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) proudly endorses Bill 43, the Consent Awareness Week Act. This legislation is a vital and overdue step in the fight to end gender-based violence in Ontario. Survivors, students, workers, and communities have been calling for meaningful action and this bill is a clear step forward.
Gender-based and sexual violence continues to harm women, girls, trans, and gender diverse people at alarming rates in Ontario, often in the very places where they should feel the safest: schools, workplaces, campuses, and homes. This violence is rooted in widespread lack of understanding about consent.
Proclaiming the third week of September as Consent Awareness Week is more than symbolic. It opens the door for education, dialogue, and real change, especially during the high-risk early weeks of the school year when incidents of violence tend to spike. It also recognizes that consent is not just optional, and that understanding it is essential in every workplace, classroom, and relationship.
The OFL urges the Ontario government to pass this bill without delay and calls on unions, community organizations, and the public to support the Consent Awareness Act and the campaign for Consent Awareness Week. Building a culture of consent is how we confront gender-based violence and demand justice, safety, and bodily autonomy for all.
Endorse Bill 43, The Consent Awareness Week Act and show your support here: https://www.peggysattler.ca/supportconsentawarenessweekact
cj/COPE343
