FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa: Almost a year ago, all federal parties committed to improve women’s equality and human rights in Canada. Nearly 25 years ago this December, Canada ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). As this anniversary approaches, the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) is urging all federal political parties to make those commitments reality.

FAFIA commends the initiative of the Liberal women’s caucus who released today proposals to improve women’s economic security in Canada.

Women’s poverty, child care and pay equity were some of the areas for improvement identified following a comprehensive review of Canada’s performance under CEDAW in 2003. Violence against women, legal aid, housing, and the status of Aboriginal women are also areas still in need of critical attention.

“We still have a long way to go to meet our obligations under the UN Convention. We continue to ask all political parties to spell out how they will ensure that Canada does not fall further behind on women’s human rights,” said Charlotte Thibault, President of Parliamentary Relations for FAFIA.

“We are pleased to see the recommendations from the Liberal Women’s Caucus because they reflect the efforts of women’s groups to achieve greater equality for women in Canada. If implemented, many of these recommendations will help to alleviate women’s economic insecurity,” said Bonnie Diamond, board member with FAFIA. “We urge the Liberal Party to immediately adopt these recommendations.”

“The recent decision by the current government to cut funds for Status of Women by 40% - which puts regional offices and an independent research fund in jeopardy– and the barring of advocacy for women’s legal and political equality with federal funds, are major steps in the wrong direction.” added Shelagh Day, Co-Chair of FAFIA.

For more information, contact:

Shelagh Day at 604-872-0750;

FAFIA office at 613-232-9505, x222.

To view the commitments on women’s human rights by all political party leaders during the federal election, see FAFIA