Ministers’ Table on Gender Based Violence

A safe and stronger Nova Scotia for everyone. The Ministers’ Table on Gender Based Violence brings together government and community voices to find solutions and take action.

Content Advisory

This web page contains information related to gender-based violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to take care of your well-being as you read the web page. This may include stepping away when needed, practicing self-care, or seeking support from someone you trust or from a professional resource. Your experience and safety matter.

About the Ministers' Table on Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence remains a deeply entrenched issue in our society, affecting far too many individuals and families. We all have a role to play in ending it.

The Table includes survivors, community leaders, service providers, researchers and government partners. Together, they share knowledge and experience to help make communities safer and stronger.

The Table is co-led by Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Several other departments, including L’nu Affairs, African Nova Scotia Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness, the Office of Mental Health and Addictions and Education and Early Childhood Development, will have a supporting role.

What the Tables does

The Table meets quarterly to:

advance and drive action to prevent gender-based violence and provide better support for victims and survivors
connect Government with survivors, families, community organizations and front-line service providers to coordinate action and ensure a united, whole-of-society response
address sector needs in a manner that is transparent and accountable

The Table’s goal is clear: to advance coordination, prevention and response on gender-based violence.

Table members

Table members have now been selected. More than 250 Nova Scotians applied to take part; a strong sign of how many people care deeply about this issue.

Table members bring a wide range of intersectional perspectives. Representation includes individuals from undeserved and underrepresented communities, survivors, community organizations, front-line service providers and academics.

Table members for 2025-2027 include:

Amy MacKinnon
Ann de Ste Croix
Briana Miller
Carmel Farahbakhsh
Erin Anne Isadore
Heather Blackburn
Jennifer Hubbert
Jessica Chant
Katelyn Viner
Karen Bernard
Kelly Moore-Reid
Marla States
Meghan Hansford
Nancy MacDonald
Nick Cardone
Nicole Mann
Pam Glode-Desroches
Ruchika Gothoskar
Sally Rice
Shianne Gordon
Sherry Costa-Lorenz
Tammy Bernasky
Tracy Dorrington-Skinner
Wenche Gausdal

Appointment process and additional opportunities for engagement

The Ministers’ Table on Gender-Based Violence was established to bring together a diverse group of individuals with knowledge, expertise and lived experience to inform and support government action.

Application process

The application questionnaire was developed with input from community partners to ensure it reflected the realities of gender-based violence and the perspectives needed at the Table. In total, 263 applications were received for 25 member appointments. This high level of interest underscores the depth of expertise and commitment across communities in Nova Scotia.

Review and selection

Applications were reviewed by a cross-government review team that considered multiple factors, including:

individual knowledge, expertise and lived or professional experience related to gender-based violence
the overall balance and composition of the Table
representation across intersecting identities and perspectives
the need to include voices from underserved and underrepresented communities

The review team ensured that a portion of Table members identify as being from one or more underserved or underrepresented communities, to help ensure a broad and inclusive range of perspectives informs the Table’s work.

Review team composition

The review of applications was carried out by a review team consisting of representatives from:

Department of Justice – Gender-Based Violence Division
Status of Women Office
Office of L’nu Affairs
African Nova Scotian Affairs
Department of Health and Wellness
Office of Addictions and Mental Health
Office of Equity and Anti-Racism
Accessibility Directorate
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

The review team was committed to a fair, consistent and thorough evaluation of every application, guided by clear criteria and shared standards.

Ongoing engagement opportunities

While not everyone who applied could be appointed to the Ministers’ Table, there will be additional opportunities for engagement. Periodic updates will be shared through a digital email platform to ensure everyone can stay connected. This approach will provide clear, consistent and accessible updates to anyone who wishes to stay informed about the Table’s work.

Stay connected

Table meetings begun in November 2025, and updates will be shared on this page as the work moves forward.

Updates will be posted after each Table meeting that will include:

meeting schedule
agenda and minutes
table actions and progress updates
links to news, reports and resources

November 2025 Meeting Agenda (PDF)
November 2025 Meeting Summary (PDF)

Help is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence or you need assistance the following resources can help:

211 Nova Scotia - No matter where you live or how you identify, if you have concerns about your wellbeing, safety, and/or the safety of others, support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service is offered in English, with interpretation in over 140 languages available.

For information and help, call the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia’s 24-hour toll-free line: 1-855-225-0220

Gender-based violence resource portal

If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911.

Contact

For information or assistance, contact:

Gender Based Violence Division – Nova Scotia Department of Justice
GBV.table@novascotia.ca
1690 Hollis St.
Halifax, N.S.,
B3J 1V7