For Immediate Release
October 21, 2009
Liberal Women’s Caucus recommends policies for economic and social equality in Pink Book, Volume III

OTTAWA – The Liberal Women’s Caucus today released the third volume of its “Pink Book” – its Action Plan for Canadian Women that outlines the Liberal approach for a compassionate Canada where women can achieve economic and social equality.

“The Pink Book isn’t just a frank account of the status of women in Canada – it is a clear statement of principle that we want a Canada that provides a strong, secure future for all Canadians,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.

“The Pink Book offers hope for change, and concrete proposals on some of the most challenging issues women across Canada are facing. I’m grateful for the work of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus, which has done so much to advocate for Canadian women.”

National Liberal Women’s Caucus Chair Maria Minna said the Pink Book is about compassion and opportunity for all women.

“There is still much to be done to close this gender gap and bring about true economic and social equality. The Pink Book tries to take us there,” said Ms. Minna. “Women in Canada still earn just 70 per cent of what their male colleagues make, regardless of education level. They make up a disproportionate share of low-income Canadians, particularly Aboriginal women, women with disabilities and immigrant and refugee women.”

Liberal Status of Women Critic Anita Neville said since 2006, Stephen Harper has done nothing but undermine the advancement of women.

His government cancelled early learning and child care agreements with the provinces, denied real pay equity, eliminated the Court Challenges Program, cut funding for literacy programs, silenced women’s equality-seeking groups and ignored the criticism of international bodies.

“Stephen Harper even called those who would fight for equality through programs like the Court Challenges program ‘left-wing fringe groups,’” she said. “To Liberals, women are not and could never be considered a special interest group. Women are half the population of this country, and they deserve better.”

Mr. Ignatieff said while the Conservatives have been spending wildly to get themselves re-elected, they’ve deliberately left women out.

“They’ve forgotten about women.  There were no programs aimed directly at women in the 2009 Budget – only attacks on pay equity. Women are less likely to benefit from the stimulus dollars going out to infrastructure projects in Conservative ridings.  Social infrastructure – child care, health care, home care – has been ignored.

“A Liberal government will make strategic investments in Canada’s social infrastructure in order to secure our future.  This isn’t just good for women, this isn’t just good for families – this is smart policy for Canada,” he concluded.

 Download the Pink Book here.
 

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