These changes include:

• changes to the funding criteria for women’s groups, such as the removal of the word equality and barring of all advocacy and lobbying by women’s groups (with federal funds);
• cuts to the operating budget of Status of Women Canada in the order of approximately 40%;
• cancellation of the Court Challenges Program;
• refusal to adopt improved pay equity legislation and;
• cancellation of a pan-Canadian child care program resulting in cuts of $1.2 billion annually to provinces and territories for child care services.

The YWCA of Canada feels that these decisions are an affront to women, and the groups that defend women’s rights noting that they are a departure from Canada’s long-standing commitment to the promotion of women’s equality and human rights.

In response, YWCA of Canada and their partner organisations are organising a campaign to challenge the federal government to immediately improve its record on women’s equality and human rights, and encourage their Members of Parliament to speak up on behalf of women.

The campaign begins on Monday, November 13th until Sunday, December 10th, International Human Rights Day. December 10, 2006 also marks the 25th anniversary date of Canada’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Instead of celebrating this historic milestone, YWCA of Canada will mobilise to ensure that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper respects his election commitment to uphold women’s equality and human rights in Canada.

Related links

>> YWCA Canada responds to government's 5million dollar cut to Status of Women Canada

External Links

>> YWCA of Canada website