Minister of Status of Women says change reflects renewed focus on equality
TORONTO, July 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, announced that as of July 1, 2016, the federal government has restored the eligibility of advocacy activities for funding within projects supported by the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada. Advocacy activities directed at federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments had been declared ineligible for funding consideration in 2007 under the previous government.
The Minister made the announcement at a special event that featured a panel discussion with notable gender equality advocates, including Paulette Senior, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canada, Diane O'Reggio, Executive Director, Women's Legal and Education Action Fund (LEAF), Lise Martin, Executive Director, Canadian Network of Women's Shelters and Transition Houses, and Julie Lalonde, Manager, "Draw the Line."
With this important shift, the Government of Canada has signaled its intent to reestablish a partnership with civil society. It shows that it understands the importance of advocacy in ensuring an evidence-based approach for its policy development, programs and legislation. This is especially true for its work on advancing gender equality, a priority for this government.
While in Toronto, Minister Hajdu also launched the consultation process for the Federal Strategy Against Gender-based Violence with the first discussion to focus on youth and online gender-based violence. This is the first of many discussions that will take place over the next few weeks with academics, civil society, front-line service providers and survivors, to explore ideas and best practices for preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
These actions underscore the federal government's commitment to taking an informed and evidence-based approach to the design of policies and programs.
Quick Fact
- The Women's Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects at the local, regional and national levels. To qualify, these projects must help advance equality, and support the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
Quote
"I'm proud of the fact that we are restoring support for advocacy within the scope of projects funded through Status of Women Canada. Advocacy is what will ensure that our decisions are informed and properly address the needs of Canadians. This action highlights the government's belief that an active dialogue between stakeholders and decision-makers is important, and reflects our renewed focus on gender equality as a goal shared by all Canadians."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
Associated Link
- Status of Women Canada – Women's Program
- News release - Newly formed Advisory Council to help shape Federal Strategy against Gender-based Violence
- Backgrounder – Members of the Advisory Council on the Federal Strategy Against Gender-based Violence (current members)
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Nadège Adam, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 819-997-2494; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6810
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