As Canada navigates a complex era marked by geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and social challenges, experts argue that building a stronger nation requires more than economic projects. It demands a fundamental investment in the social bonds that unite communities. According to Lana Wells, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, confronting male-perpetrated violence is a critical component of this national project.
The Data Reveals a National Pattern
Research from the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy, utilizing a ten-year dataset from the Calgary Police Service, sheds stark light on the issue. The study found that 73 per cent of men charged with domestic violence had prior police encounters where officers responded but lacked sufficient evidence to lay charges. This troubling pattern, which was replicated in a similar study in London, Ontario, indicates a systemic failure to intervene early and support men before situations escalate to violence.
These statistics are part of a broader, alarming national picture. Men are responsible for 99 per cent of sexual assaults against women, 93 per cent of sexual assaults against men, and 83 per cent of all violence against women. Yet, men themselves are in crisis, being overrepresented in suicide statistics and often avoiding mental health services. This pain and disconnection are frequently exploited by online algorithms and radicalizing content.
Violence Prevention as Foundational Work
Wells contends that true nation-building extends far beyond physical infrastructure like pipelines and railways. It is fundamentally about social cohesion, community resilience, and the capacity to thrive amid uncertainty. The conditions that fuel gender-based violence—including child abuse, economic insecurity, social isolation, and the climate crisis—are intensifying across Canada.
"Without a co-ordinated, national strategy to prevent male perpetration of gender-based violence, we risk leaving communities vulnerable and fragmented," the research suggests. The early police contact data is not just a law enforcement issue; it represents a missed opportunity for the entire community to offer support and intervention.
Community-Led Solutions Are Showing the Way
Across the country, evidence-based programs are demonstrating that prevention is possible and effective. These initiatives directly engage men and boys to foster healthy relationships and dismantle harmful norms.
Promising programs include:
- WiseGuyz and Guys Work, which work with young men.
- Caring Dads, a program for fathers.
- The grassroots Moose Hide Campaign.
Organizations such as Next Gen Men, White Ribbon Canada, and the Men& Project provide crucial digital resources, counselling, and online support networks. These are not small-scale pilots but proven, community-led models with measurable impact.
The report, released in March 2024 and highlighted at the end of 2025, serves as a urgent call to action. It frames the prevention of gender-based violence not as a niche social issue, but as a cornerstone project for building a safer, more connected, and resilient Canada for everyone.
