PSAC women's programme
PSAC provides funding for women’s groups
Union shows solidarity in response to cuts by Harper government
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has renewed its commitment to women’s equality by providing $90,000 in funding to six women’s groups that have faced serious financial shortages since the Conservative government took power in 2006.
On February 1, PSAC renewed its financial commitment to the Feminist Alliance for International Action, the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada, the Fédération des femmes du Québec, the National Association of Women and the Law, the Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Women and the Ad Hoc Coalition for Women’s Equality. Each organization will receive $15,000.
Once again, PSAC is taking a strong stand in solidarity with organizations that have been hard hit by Prime Minister Harper’s policy banning all federal funding for research and advocacy on women’s rights. At a recent meeting of the G8, Harper proclaimed a commitment to fight maternal mortality, yet he has done little at home to actually help women.
The first thing the Conservatives did when they took office was slash the newly created National Childcare Program. In September 2006, the Harper government refused to implement the recommendations of the Pay Equity Task Force. And in 2009 the government abolished the right to pay equity in the federal public service all together.
“How does being paid less and having no access to quality child care help reduce the poverty rate of mothers in Canada?” asked Patty Ducharme, National Executive Vice-President of PSAC.
Harpers’ cuts to feminist research and advocacy have hampered the women’s movement’s ability to analyze and propose policies to benefit women. Over the last four years, the Harper government closed 12 of 16 Status of Women Canada offices across the country. The Conservatives also cancelled all funding to the Court Challenges Program and abolished the Law Reform Commission.
Harper and his MPs are now intent on destroying the long gun registry and destabilizing human rights organizations such as Rights and Democracy, KAIROS and Alternatives.
“The Harper government has relentlessly attacked women’s rights at home. Our union is proud to stand in solidarity with groups that are promoting justice and equality for women both in Canada and around the world,” said Ducharme.
Date Modified : 2010/02/04
