The Liberal Opposition
today stood up on behalf of all Canadian women today and called on the
Conservative minority government to respect the rights of women and promote
their equality in Canadian society.
“This government has gutted the funding for equality seeking groups
that help raise awareness and fight discrimination, including those for
women” said Liberal Critic for Status of Women Maria Minna. “Moreover,
we are saddled with Conservative Minister for Canadian Heritage Bev Oda,
who won’t rule out the possibility that the Status of Women Agency
might wind up on the Conservative chopping block.
“Can Ms. Oda not see the important role this agency serves in promoting
gender equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social,
cultural and political life of Canada?”
“The mean spirited cuts by the Conservative government announced
this week may appeal to his socially conservative friends but they hurt
so many others including women and aboriginals,” added Liberal Critic
Anita Neville. “The Prime Minister has cut 39 percent of the operating
budget from Status of Women, and he has cut the Court Challenges Program.
During the election Stephen Harper said he would uphold the government’s
commitments to women. Why has he broken that promise?”
Given the recent cuts to Status of Women Canada and the $1 billion in
additional federal funding cuts that are yet to be announced, many worry
that the department will be eliminated altogether.
“Women's groups that I talk to are waiting for another shoe to drop,”
said Liberal Women’s Caucus Chair Belinda Stronach. “What if
the Harper Conservatives aren't just satisfied with cutting 40 percent
of the Status of Women's budget?”
Recent media reports indicate that several socially Conservative blogs
have begun a campaign to eliminate the federal agency for the Status of
Women. The group REAL women of Canada, which also opposes same-sex marriage
and legalized abortion, launched the campaign because of their belief
that the agency “promotes feminist policies on the false premise
that women in Canada are victims of a patriarchal society.”
Ms. Stronach pointed to comments made by the Prime Minister’s Chief
of Staff Ian Brodie who has said that the REAL Women organization raises
interesting points that warrant close inspection.
“The Harper Conservatives seem to be listening to groups like REAL
Women instead of the women of Canada,” she said. “Is this Conservative
minority government going to change the funding criteria in order to steer
money to groups like REAL Women that support their anti-choice, anti-gay,
anti-equality agenda?”
Ms. Minna accused the Conservative minority government of failing to recognize
the many roles women play in Canadian society and the importance of providing
all Canadian women with equal opportunity. Ms. Minna introduced a motion
in the House of Commons objecting to the Conservatives’ partisan
and discriminatory cuts to programs that are essential to helping Canadian
women. Parliament will vote on the motion next Tuesday.
Liberals have always been known for our commitment to women’s equality
and defending women’s rights. We are proud of the strength of the
female members of our caucus, which we believe reflects the strength of
women all across this country.
The women in the Liberal caucus proudly represent Canada's cultural, linguistic
and regional diversity. Together, we have made a lasting contribution
to this country and we will continue to fight for the interests of Canadian
women.
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