Statement by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women in response to the 2015 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada

OTTAWA, Feb. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Following the tabling of the 2015 Fall Reports of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Minister Hajdu issued the following statement:

"Today, we welcome the Auditor General of Canada's report and recommendations on the progress of implementing Gender-based Analysis within selected federal departments.

Our Government has been clear about its commitment to advancing gender equality. That's why we will be working to ensure the needs of diverse women and men are considered when we design new policies, programs, and legislation. As we move forward, we will continue to promote Gender-based Analysis as an important competency for all federal officials, and we will strengthen its application across the federal government.

The Auditor General of Canada's report noted that while progress has been made in supporting the application of Gender-based Analysis across federal departments, there is more that needs to be done. We believe in being accountable for ensuring that meaningful Gender-based Analysis is included in Cabinet decision-making. Status of Women Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and the Privy Council Office will work together to provide the necessary supports in building capacity across federal departments and monitoring results.

I look forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues to ensure that all sectors of government realize the potential of Gender-based Analysis as a means of ensuring that federal initiatives are effective and responsive to all Canadians."

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

Inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]