:
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Committee members, I am pleased to be here to outline the Government of Canada's plans and progress in promoting equality for women and their full participation in Canadian society.
I am accompanied by Clare Beckton, Coordinator of Status of Women Canada, and Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning.
I understand the committee has been studying gender-based budgets for the last few months and has been hearing from a wide range of experts. I look forward to your report and assure you that the Government of Canada will continue its efforts in this area.
[English]
Canada's prosperity depends on the economic prosperity of women, who in turn influence the prosperity of their families and their communities. If Canada is to continue to be one of the most prosperous countries in the world, women must be able to participate in, contribute to, and experience economic prosperity.
Our government is committed to promoting equality for women. Our goal is to have a direct impact on people's lives and to achieve real, measurable results that work for every citizen, women and men alike.
[Translation]
The recent budget focuses on providing responsible leadership so we can build on Canada's strong economy—the strongest of any Group of Seven country—by implementing our economic plan, Advantage Canada. In fulfilling this vision, we count women in. That is why we anounced, in Budget 2008, that over the next year, our government will develop an action plan for women. We will work with Status of Women Canada and other departments and agencies across the federal government. This action plan will further women's equality throughout Canada by improving their economic and social conditions and their participation in democratic life.
The create the best possible action plan, we will consult with leaders across all sectors of society, with women's organizations and with communities of all kinds in all parts of Canada. We will also make strategic investments in key federal programs and services to promote women's participation.
In addition—and this is critical to our goal—we will work to promote women's economic success by enhancing their financial and economic literacy.
This is especially important because during the next two decades, the ratio of older persons to active workers in Canada will increase by 20%. Most of those active workers will be women. Increasingly, Canada will have to look to women to fill the gap in the labour force. As a result, there will be more opportunities for women. Women need to have the education and skills necessary to seize the day.
Investing in women is investing in Canada. As a recent Royal Bank of Canada report noted, "If women had identical labour market opportunities as men, then women's personal incomes would be $168 billion higher each year."
As the engine of our federal women's machinery, Status of Women Canada fulfill its mandate in two ways: by building strategic partnerships at the federal level, with other levels of government, and international bodies, to remove barriers and build women's participation; and by funding projects through the Women's Program, as well as through the Sisters in Spirit initiative addressing equality issue pertaining to aboriginal women.
I am very pleased with the results of the Women's Program. It is functioning as an effective, focused and results-driven program, thanks in large part to our decision to restructure it into two new components, the Women's Community Fund and the Women's Partnership Fund.
Over the last year, 181 projects received funding under the Women's Community Fund and the Women's Partnership Fund for a total dollar value of $33,993,843 over three years. Impacting over 1.5 million women and girls through the projects funded, organizations are carrying out work in educating women on violence prevention, building women's financial literacy, encouraging networking, promoting women's economic security, prosperity, health, and safety, and ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
Over the past months, my colleagues and I have traveled from coast to coast to coast to meet the representatives of these organizations, and to hear first hand how their work changes the lives of women, their families and their communities.
The national Sisters in Spirit campaign is bringing public attention to the high rates of violence against aboriginal women. The campaign has developed the following: a community awareness strategy to promote safety and zero tolerance for violence against aboriginal women; a culturally appropriate gender-based policy framework for action at community level; and case studies to determine the root causes, trends and gaps in services as they relate to the disappearance and murder of aboriginal women.
In the coming months, Status of Women Canada and the Native Women's Association of Canada will engage other departments and provincial and territorial partners to improve program and policy areas at the root of aboriginal women's social and economic status.
Status of Women Canada continues to fulfill the role it plays in Canada's commitment to meeting international obligations for advancing gender equality.
The 52nd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from February 25 to March 7, under the theme "Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women." Canada reported on the progress our government has made, particularly increased funding to the Women's Program, and our commitment to create an action plan to advance equality for women across the country, through the improvement of their economic and social conditions and their participation in democratic life.
We are now looking ahead to two key international meetings—the 13th Women Leaders' Network Meeting and the Meeting of Gender Focal Point Network of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, to be held in Peru in May.
In the follow-up to last June's National Aboriginal Women's Summit, these actions are underway. In March, Status of Women Canada hosted a workshop for aboriginal organizations geared toward developing culturally relevant gender-based analysis tools.
A meeting is being planned between the National Association of Chiefs of Police and representatives of aboriginal organizations for the purpose of adapting police training concerning the treatment of aboriginal women and girls.
We supported a violence prevention toolkit for youth, which would see training for more aboriginal youth across Canada.
An RCMP-led initiative was set up to train law enforcement officers on identifying and investigating human trafficking, with a focus on victim issues and the vulnerability of aboriginal women.
[English]
In closing, let me reiterate that more than ever before, Canada will need the contributions and participation of women at all levels of society, including in positions of leadership.
[Translation]
In developing our action plan, we know women will rise to the challenge. Indeed, they are doing so now. Our government is supporting women's participation through effective, results-focused action. To make Canada the best it can be, it makes good sense for all Canadians, women and men alike, to enjoy an open-door policy on opportunity.
Thank you.
:
I understand that there was a budget, Minister, but given the importance of these meetings, I think that elected representatives of all parties...I'm sure we can always identify one or two delegates to lead the delegation.
In any case, you can pick up on that in just a minute. I want to move on to something else.
I was looking at the web and the structure you have in terms of eligibility. We have seen the change where you have reintroduced the word “equality” in certain parts of the mandate, but the eligibility criterion really hasn't changed from the previous eligibility with respect to issues that affect women in particular issues of advocacy. I see that's still not a criterion that is acceptable.
The reason I raise this is that, as you have said, this committee has been looking at budgeting gender analysis and we've had some really strong experts here at this table—people who have done research and advocated with the help of Status of Women Canada and have advocated on behalf of women. We have seen from the analysis they have done just how disadvantaged women are in our society.
In the last two budgets, the analysis that was done was totally off, and in fact the majority of the actions of the government were in fact detrimental to women. So again there is nobody out there advocating. It's one thing to deal with a specific women's issue with respect to direct service, but it does not affect the overall change of women's equality.
I would like to know from you (a) why that criterion is still not changed, and (b) why we are still seeing budget items that are really skewed and hurt women in this country.
:
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Good morning, Madam Minister, Ms. Beckton and Ms. Waugh. It is always a pleasure to have you here.
I reread the opening statement you gave us, Madam Minister. You said that, in the coming year, your government will develop a plan of action. I would like to focus on that. It contains general principles, but in concrete terms, can you tell me what you intend to do to implement this plan of action, and which measures you will take to meet your objectives?
You claim to want to increase women's participation. In order to do this, you go so far as to say that you will consult leaders in various areas of society. I would like you to tell us who these leaders are or whom you have in mind.
You also talk about women's groups. Is it possible to know what type of people and what groups you will consult?
You also say that you will make strategic investments. What do you mean when you say: "[...] strategic investments in key federal programs and services [...]"? How will you consolidate all this to achieve concrete results?
:
Madam Deschamps, thank you for your question.
As far as developing the plan of action is concerned, we are in the process of defining the parameters we will implement. In other words, we are in the process of determining the themes and major principles. We want to consult with the greatest number of stakeholders, be they women's groups or academics, amongst others. For now, we are working on the process which will be followed.
We mention targeted investment, but I will not talk about anything more than the suggestions we might hear in the course of our consultations. For example, if we want to make sure that the program to fight violence against women is effective, we will have to invest in programs developed for women by women's groups to prevent this violence from happening. If we target the right sectors, we will make the strategic investments.
May I remind you that we have announced an additional contribution of $20 million over two years, which will help bring about many more things. In 2006, the program budget for Status of Women Canada generally did not exceed $10 million. But this year, that amount has been increased to $20 million. This will enable us to do more in areas which we have identified with women's groups.
:
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Minister, thank you, again, for being here today.
I have a number of comments and then a number of questions. I'm going to try to get them all out and then allow you to respond.
I'm having some concerns about the re-profiling of the dollars. To me, it's inflating the budget, and I would welcome some comments on that.
I also want to indicate that I very strongly object to the fact that there is no political representation at international meetings. My experience as a member of Parliament is that there has always been political representation at international meetings. I realize that we have highly qualified bureaucrats, but I think it's important that there be political representation as well.
You talk in your presentation about the importance of economic growth and opportunities for women, and part of your action plan will focus on that. I just want to indicate that I've recently been doing a tour of the child care centres in my riding. I'm hearing about the waiting lists, but I'm also hearing a significant number of stories, albeit anecdotally, of women who are leaving the workforce because they don't have adequate child care for their children, or they have been putting their children in unsafe child care and have been anxious. So they are now leaving the workforce or leaving their studies. I'm concerned about how you reconcile that.
I'm interested in getting a list of all the organizations that have received funding. I'd like to know the difference between profit and non-profit organizations. Many of us are going through our Canada student grants programs right now and are finding an inordinate number of faith-based requests for funding. I'm interested in knowing the number of faith-based organizations that have been receiving funding from you and the nature of their activities and projects. I'm interested in knowing as well what funding is one-time only funding and what funding among these organizations is long-term funding.
I'm interested in knowing about the Sisters in Spirit. It is winding down. The way you described it in your remarks is not how I understand it to be. I'm interested in knowing what the long-term proposals are for the Sisters in Spirit program. I'll stop there, but I have a lot more questions.
:
Good morning, Minister, Ms. Beckton and Ms. Waugh. Thank you very much for being here today.
To begin with, I'd like to thank you on behalf of the women's groups which have received money. I've very happy about this. I still have a number of concerns, however. As you know, it doesn't take much to worry me about the plight of the women that I represent.
I was disappointed to not be able to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women, an event we usually attend every year. The budget is always, or almost always, tabled at the same time of the year. Nevertheless, we usually find a way of attending these events because it's very important to be able to debate the problems that we all face with people from other horizons. It's a pity that we were not able to be involved this year and I hope that we can correct that next time.
I'll go straight ahead and ask my questions and you'll then have an opportunity to respond.
Minister, an action plan was developed in Beijing in 1995 which was supported by women worldwide. Did you decide to develop another action plan because that action plan was unsatisfactory?
You said that the Treasury Board has to ensure that departments have conducted a gender-based analysis before they make known their intended projects. So, the departments have to carry out a gender-based analysis. However, they are not obligated to take it into account. So, they carry out the analysis, but do not bear it in mind. So, what is the use of carrying out such an analysis?
Do you intend to develop a genuine pay equity policy? As you said, investing in women means investing in Canada. It is a pity that most women who are entitled to pay equity throughout Canada do not benefit from it. They should be able to enjoy the same benefits as all other women.
My final question is about women living in aboriginal communities. Aboriginal groups have written to us on several occasions advising us of the grant applications they have made. The department had said it was offering grants to deal with issues such as violence against women, homelessness, and family problems. And yet, several groups have not received any grants. They have been told to reapply, but since there is no longer an Office for the Status of Women, and since there are only a few people in a position to help them, they always face delays.
Since I have a lot of questions to ask you and since you are not with us for very long, I will stop there. Otherwise, I fear that you won't have enough time to answer me.
I know the minister has to leave. I'd like to thank the minister for being here.
Minister, you acknowledged the good work that the Standing Committee on the Status of Women is doing. This committee has been working very cooperatively on a number of issues; therefore, it is a disappointment that the elected representatives who have worked so hard for the economic security of women, for the Status of Women, are being left out of the APEC conference. I'm hoping you will reconsider it.
I'd like to leave you with a brief note. If the government is really serious about women, the economic security, the gender budgeting that we are doing.... In 2002-03 the budget for the Status of Women was $24 million. By 2006 it was cut by $14 million, and it has never been replenished. Therefore, when we talk figures, we have to be careful not to fudge figures. It's very critical for us that we understand where these figures are coming from and where we are to go.
I know you are in a hurry to go. If you would like to take your time and respond to us later on, that would be fine. I am cognizant of your time constraints.
We thank you for coming. Perhaps we will have--
:
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Welcome to everyone this morning.
Ms. Beckton, we've had a number of witnesses come to these sessions who've talked about these equality indicators. Some feel, and I guess I'm one of them, a certain level of frustration--and you've probably read about that. It's just that we seem to have this model set up, but the outcomes do not seem to be achieving what we believe the desired ends should be. Many of the witnesses have said the same thing. What they were saying is that they would like to see the equality indicators much better integrated into the gender budget approach.
I have a couple of questions for you.
First, what are the indicators you are using at present? I think you mentioned those before. You also mentioned to Ms. Mathyssen, I believe it was, looking at new things such as employment, democratic participation, and things like that.
Secondly, has there been any discussion within your department about the indicators identified at the United Nations session in 2003? Those included things like affordable housing, civil legal aid, affordable and regulated child care, education and training, employment insurance, and shelters and transition houses for women experiencing violence. When you talked about where you were thinking of going, you didn't really mention any of those.
I wonder if you could answer those two things for me and give me some light at the end of the tunnel.
:
Simply because we don't have as many offices doesn't mean we aren't able to be in touch with the regions. There are a number of ways we can be in touch.
Over this past year, along with the director general of the women's program, we travelled extensively across the country, meeting with women's groups, talking about what their issues were and about how we can better serve them.
I have asked our regional offices to ensure that they travel as much as possible within the region to talk to the various groups. We have a 1-800 line. We have held consultations around the women's program and the new criteria, using telephone conferences, plus group consultations, where we bring the groups together. Our regional heads also attempt to participate in key federal council meetings in the regions. They try to attend important meetings, where possible.
So I think we still have the means to ensure that we are in touch with what's important. I've certainly made every effort I can to be out there as much as possible, making myself visible and inviting feedback.
When I was at the United Nations in New York, we also had an opportunity to meet with a lot of our NGO delegates who were there. In fact, we briefed them every day, but we also had opportunities for a lot of feedback. We found that very helpful, because they have networks and they're able to assist us through those networks as well.
I'm being cognizant of the time, and I know we have something formal to do, which is to adopt the votes on the budget items. I asked the clerk, and we have to do it as a formality because the minister was here and she explained the main estimates to us. I don't think there will be much discussion or debate; we just have to say yea or no. That's on division as well. It doesn't matter. I will read what it says.
Before I do that, I would like to thank you for being here. We will submit the questions that were unanswered or that people were not able to ask. Thank you very much for being here.
I can see the public accounts committee is ready, so we need to clear the room for them at 11.
While they are departing, here is what formally happens. Vote 100, if you go to the main estimates for the Standing Committee on Status of Women, says, and I'm going to read it out:
Status of Women — Office of the Co-ordinator
Vote 100--Operating expenditures..........$7,499,000
The Chair: Shall vote 100 in the amount of $7,499,000, less the amount of $1,874,750 granted in the interim supply under the Department of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women, office of the coordinator, carry?
(Vote 100 agreed to on division)
Status of Women — Office of the Co-ordinator
Vote 105--Grants and contributions..........$16,250,000
The Chair: Shall vote 105 in the amount of $16,250,000, less the amount of $4,062,500 granted in interim supply under the Department of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women, office of the coordinator, carry?
(Vote 105 agreed to on division)