Women's Equality Not on Government Agenda

Closure of Status of Women offices opposed by CLC, MFL.

Ken Georgetti, President Canadian Labour Congress, has written to Beverly Oda, Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, to "express our profound disappointment in your decision to close the majority of the Status of Women Canada regional offices.

"We have seen a series of actions," Georgetti continued, "that bring into serious doubt your commitment, and the commitment of your government, to women's equality. From removing the promotion of women's equality from the mandate of Status of Women Canada to the elimination of funding for women's organizations for research and advocacy work, the actions of your government fly in the face of commitments made by Prime Minister Harper during the federal election to respect and promote women's human rights."

MFL President Darlene Dziewit says that this is just one more example of the current federal government being "anti-choice and completely opposed to working with any equality seeking groups. I guess they feel the need to stifle dissent. How completely undemocratic!

"Speaking of democracy, it was so interesting to hear the Conservatives other failed leader, Stockwell Day, say that the sham same sex marriage vote held December 7 needed to be held now because the Liberals had not allowed for a free vote. This plea from Stockwell for so-called democracy is absolutely outrageous in light of Harper's order that his caucus had to vote in favour of the stupid 'Quebecois are a Nation' resolution.

"The only reason for the recent same sex marriage vote was so Harper could say he lived up to his election promise. Well, he lied in intent, if not technically. And good old Stephen could not even bother to show up for the vote.

"What a thing to put this country through, especially after the difficult debate on the matter last year. It was unnecessary and cruel to the gay and lesbian community. This government is bordering on evil."