NDP statement in response to Status of Women Canada report

Mirabel NDP candidate Mylène Freeman made the following statement today:

“In Canada and around the world, it is unacceptable that women are still battling for their rights in 2015. The findings in this Status of Women Canada report on the situation of women and girls across the country are very disturbing. But unfortunately, they are not surprising.”

“The report was made public following an access to information request, and found that we have some serious catching up to do in Canada compared to other industrialized nations in terms of equality. The portion of single women and mothers living in poverty is also steadily on the rise. The report also concluded that income disparity between men and women has persisted in Canada, which ranks 52nd in terms of equal representation in Parliament in the world. Finally, Canada was found to invest 17% less in daycare services than the industrialized-nation average.”

“I am proud to represent a party that is focused on actions, and not only words. In 2011, the NDP elected a record number of women to Parliament, and our caucus is 40% female. So far in this election campaign, 147 of our 338 candidates have been women – a proportion of 43%. This is completely unprecedented.”

“Instead of leaving this report on the shelf to collect dust, the NDP will take action to promote change. We have already committed to launching an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women within the first 100 days of forming government. We will restore the Shelter Enhancement Program and establish a nationwide action plan to put an end to violence against women and children. We will also bolster investments in housing and homelessness programs to create and maintain affordable housing units. Finally, we will create a national childcare and early childhood education program that will provide one million childcare spaces at no more than $15/day.”