In a powerful moment during the Senate Committee on State Affairs meeting on May 8, 2025, a survivor of abuse shared a harrowing account that underscored the urgent need for legal reform regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). The survivor, representing Canaccuk, an advocacy group founded by victims in 2021, revealed that the organization has received numerous tips detailing hundreds of abuse allegations against over 68 individuals linked to Kanakuk, a prominent Christian camp, dating back to 1958.

As the survivor spoke, the weight of their words filled the room, emphasizing the long-standing issues of silence and intimidation faced by victims. They highlighted how NDAs, often enforced by powerful institutions, have silenced many, preventing them from seeking justice. "We cannot trust institutions to do the right thing," the survivor stated, calling for clarity in the law to protect future victims.

The testimony painted a stark picture of the emotional toll these agreements can take, with the survivor recounting the devastating impact on their family, including a brother's psychotic break attributed to the trauma and secrecy surrounding the abuse. This personal narrative resonated deeply, illustrating that for many, the fight for justice is not just a legal battle but a matter of life and death.

As discussions continued, the committee members were urged to consider the implications of NDAs and the need for legislative changes that would empower survivors rather than silence them. The meeting served as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals within institutions. The call for reform echoed through the halls, leaving a lingering question: how many more voices must be silenced before change is enacted?