February 2009
A Review of the “Stimulus” Budget by the Chair of the Provincial Women’s
Committee….
In the recent announcement of a “Stimulus” Budget by the Federal
Government, once again, Mr. Harper has ignored the economic predicament of the
most vulnerable in our society…women, children and the disadvantaged…
The recent budget that is supposed to be a “stimulus” budget has
done nothing to stimulate the economy on women’s issues. Totally absent from
the discussion is any mention of child care funding, elder care, or child care
spaces - these are issues that affect women, whether they are single parents or
not. It is great that the government has offered to increase training for the
unemployed, but what good is it if there is no child care that would enable a
woman to access such training
The EI benefit extension is a joke; only persons currently
receiving EI would benefit from the extension. Eligibility remains an issue.
Relaxing the criteria would make a greater difference not only for women, but
for all disadvantaged groups
We have been fighting a long difficult battle towards equality
in this country, and we still have a long way to go. Our employers need
constant reminders that their practices do not reflect the changing times.
Unfortunately the employer and government actions have forced women to battle
for basic citizenship rights. Still, women must fight to feel included,
accepted and a true part of this nation.
As women we have unique issues that must be considered. As
parents we have many roles; we are mothers, care-givers, nurturers, workers, and
we want that to be recognized. Our governments should be addressing the systemic
barriers that keep women from being equal participants at every level of our
society; in particular, employment legislation that continue to pay women less
than men for work of equal value. Harper seems to have ignored us once again.
I urge you to write or contact your MP’s and editors of your
local newspapers – SHOUT OUT – Why have you left our children without affordable
care? Why have you left the elderly without the proper care they need?
To move forward as a nation we must remove barriers that
exclude. We must take care of the most vulnerable in our society OUR CHILDREN,
THE ELDERLY AND WOMEN!
Cindy Haynes
Chair
