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Statement: National Day Against Gun Violence

June 5th, 2026

Today, on the National Day Against Gun Violence, we unite in solidarity with communities across the country in honouring the lives lost and the countless individuals and families forever impacted by gun violence. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to healing, justice, and systemic change.

Gun violence is not an isolated issue; it is a compounding public health crisis that echoes through families, neighbourhoods, and generations. Its impact extends beyond immediate victims, perpetuating cycles of trauma, fear, and lateral violence. At its root, gun violence is often a symptom of broader systemic inequities, including structural racism, anti-Blackness, socio-economic exclusion, and the enduring effects of colonialism.

Locally and across the globe, the intersection of systemic racism and firearm proliferation creates a lethal environment that disproportionately claims the lives of Black and racialized youth. In the wake of these tragedies, institutional failures within legal systems further exacerbate harm, systematically denying mothers and families the accountability, legal recourse, and restorative and transformative justice rightfully demanded.

We recognize that gun violence is a feminist issue, deeply interconnected with intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Women, girls, and gender diverse individuals, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, are disproportionately affected.

To address the root causes of gun violence, we call for the implementation of comprehensive, equity-focused strategies, including:

  • Increased investment in affordable housing, youth development programs, social assistance, and access to decent work and fair wages;
  • Culturally responsive and accessible mental health supports, particularly for racialized communities, women, and gender diverse individuals disproportionately impacted by violence;
  • Expanded community-based healing initiatives that reflect the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; 
  • Comprehensive education and mandatory training for police, judges, and legal actors on existing "red flag" laws, ensuring these preventive tools are actively understood, properly resourced, and effectively utilized to protect survivors of intimate partner violence; and,
  • A permanent and sustained government funding stream to support services for women, gender diverse individuals and youth who have experienced violence, with an intentional focus on Black women, girls, and youth disproportionately affected by gun and community violence.

Alongside our community and coalition partners across the city, province and country, YWCA Toronto continues to advocate for stronger gun legislation and increased investment in community safety and wellbeing.  While we are pleased to see renewed investment in the City of Toronto’s Summer Safety Plan, which aims to prevent and reduce violence through the expansion of recreational drop-in activities, community events, and mental health supports for youth, we continue to advocate for sustainable funding and support for community-led efforts that move beyond the traditional roles of policing. Addressing gun violence requires urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government and the broader community.

Safer communities are possible but only through bold, intentional action. YWCA Toronto is committed to supporting bold, intentional actions that make our communities safer, in particular for women, girls and gender diverse individuals who face disproportionate barriers to safety.

The City of Toronto has shared supports and resources for those impacted by gun violence, which can be found here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-wellbeing-programs/national-day-against-gun-violence/

 

MEDIA
Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications, YWCA Toronto
437.286.9627 | spritchard@ywcatoronto.org