Hello, Madam Chair and honourable members.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge that I’m speaking with you from the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin nation.
It’s a pleasure to be here today to discuss the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the Department for Women and Gender Equality.
It is an absolute honour to be part of this department's work and see up close the positive change that comes from the programs we offer and support. I see it when I speak to people who put their heart into helping women and children flee violent situations. I see it when I speak to organizations that are connecting women with economic opportunities and people who are breaking down systemic barriers—indigenous women, women with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, and Black and racialized women.
WAGE's role is so key at a time when people, specifically marginalized people, are feeling the strain of inflation and trying to make ends meet. These programs make sure that no one is left behind in these really tough times and that women are connected to well-paying jobs and have more money in their pockets. In our role as convenor, knowledge broker and capacity builder, we act as the glue between government departments and grassroots organizations and work alongside provincial and territorial governments to deliver on our commitment to build a more equitable country.
You've all seen this work through the national action plan to end gender-based violence that we launched just last year. We've already reached bilateral agreements with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Yukon, Alberta and Northwest Territories, and an agreement for the Province of Quebec to support its strategy. The funding from these agreements is already flowing to provinces and territories. It's reaching frontline services to prevent violence and address the root causes of this issue, which we know needs to include men and boys. This is on top of the $55 million in direct federal funding to indigenous organizations to end gender-based violence.
On the economic front, we've been able to support women's organizations that play a key role in improving access to education, employment, health and social services. Earlier this fall, I had the pleasure of announcing support for the LEAP Pecaut Centre for Social Impact. It's an organization that helps not-for-profit organizations tap into private sector talent. These non-profits do so much and have so little. They connect women with well-paying jobs. They find women and children affordable housing and social supports, and help newcomers find their footing. Through partnerships, they have already unlocked $21 million in pro bono work from private corporations and positively impacted 6.4 million Canadian lives.
In the face of rising transphobia and homophobia in Canada and around the world, we launched the federal 2SLGBTQI+ action plan, supporting grassroots organizations that are focused on building safer communities.
While progress has been made, the gains we've achieved have not been enjoyed equally. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have threatened to roll back decades of progress on gender equality.
We know that we must go further, faster.
Again, we are making these impactful investments to ensure that no one is falling through the cracks in their time of need. We're doing this through these supplementary estimates by requesting $6.9 million to help organizations on the front lines, such as LEAP, and $18.6 million to go towards the menstrual equity fund pilot, which is making sure that no one in this country has to choose between buying menstrual products and putting food on the table.
I’m confident that by working together we will ensure that Canada remains the best place in the world to live.
We know, and we've seen first-hand, that we all benefit when we have equal opportunities to succeed.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I am ready for questions.
