More News from Status of Women Canada

I saw Jean Kilbourne on Thursday, and I will be writing about that when I have a little more time. For now,

A few weeks ago I sent my MP, Steven Fletcher, an e-mail to try and get to him to do something regarding Status of Women Canada. I recieved this letter last week.

Dear (Wrong Name that isn't mine),

Thank you for taking the time to submit your comments and concerns regarding Status of Women Canada.

Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring the equality of all its citizens. Liberals funded study after study, held consultations and talked, but they got no results. Our government is a government of action and we will fight for women's equality through positive proactive policy. Canada's New Government will focus its effots:

- protecting women against violence;
- giving children safe family home without abuse;
- helping older women escape poverty; and
- making sure immigrant women are able to use their foreign credentials to contribute to Canadian society.

Canada's New Government will act and make a difference to women and children in their communities and homes.

Again, thank you for submitting your concerns.

Kind regards,

Steven Fletcher

I like how he completely side-stepped any mention of Status of Women Canada except for in his little intro to the letter. I also suppose his "action" is to cut funding to women's rights group. What an asshole. Couldn't even address it to the right damn person.


But in brighter news.
By virtue of status report.

BIG NEWS! On October 31, 2006, the following motion was passed at a meeting of the House of Commons Status of Women Committee. The motion was initiated by Maria Minna, Status of Women critic for the Liberal Party. Official meeting minutes can be found here.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? A recommendation in the form of a motion passed by a committee gets presented to the House of Commons in periodic reports from the committee chair. The chair of this committee, Judy Sgro, will nudge this resolution along, and we'll keep you posted on its progress on this page.

Minna's motion regarding recent Cuts to Status of Women Canada:

Whereas the recent $5 million in cuts to the operating budget of the Status of Women Canada places in jeopardy the valuable work done in this department to promote the equality women and;

Whereas these cuts will make it harder for women across the country to participate in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of society and;

Whereas the draconian changes to the Terms and Conditions to the Women’s Program under Status of Women undermines the very basis of our democracy – the ability to advocate on behalf of vulnerable groups and;

Whereas removing “equality” as one of the goals of the program sends a chilling message to the dedicated equality-seeking organizations throughout the country.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), that the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (SWC) recommends that the government reverse the $5 million in cuts to the operating budget of SWC and re-instate the original Terms and Conditions of the Women’s Program and that the Chair report the adoption of this motion to the House without delay.

PASSED.