Status of Women Committee on Nov. 3rd, 2025

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

I call this meeting to order.

Welcome to meeting number 12 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using Zoom.

I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses here. Please wait until I recognize you before speaking. You can activate your mic when you're speaking, and please mute yourself when you're not. With regard to interpretation, those on Zoom and those here in the room know how it goes: You can select floor, English or French. If you want to speak, raise your hand. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. Thank you for your co-operation.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee is studying the subject matter of the main estimates 2025-26.

I would like to welcome the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, the Honourable Rechie Valdez.

We also have, from the Department for Women and Gender Equality, Frances McRae, deputy minister; Lucie Malette, chief financial officer and executive director; and Jennifer Cairnie, director general, strategic policy.

From the industry department, in the first and second hour, we have Etienne-René Massie, assistant deputy minister, small business, tourism and marketplace services.

The minister will be with us for the first hour. She has a hard stop, as I understand it, at 4:45. The deputy minister and the assistant deputy minister will be with us for the full two hours and will be joined by officials for the second hour.

I also want to welcome Ms. Khalid. I understand that you are now officially here, not just friendly to us all the time. We are glad to welcome you as well.

Minister, you will have five minutes for your opening remarks, and then we'll proceed to the questions.

You can start. Thank you.

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

It is an honour to appear before this committee. I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you for your incredible work in advancing equality, protecting rights and ensuring that women and gender-diverse Canadians are safe, supported and heard.

Congratulations to my honourable colleague Iqra Khalid for officially joining the committee.

We all share the same goal: a Canada where every person, no matter their background, identity or circumstance, can live free from violence and realize their full potential.

For me, this work is very personal. For those of you who don't know, I was born in Kitwe, Zambia, to parents from the Philippines, who came to Canada in search of opportunity. I grew up watching my parents work hard, sacrifice everything, build a life and give back to their community. Years later, I took my own leap of faith, leaving a 15-year corporate career—I think some of you may know that feeling—to start a small business out of my own kitchen while raising two young children. That journey taught me something simple but very powerful: When women get a fair chance to succeed, families prosper, communities grow and our entire economy becomes stronger.

This is what brings me here today.

I want to start by sharing some good news with the committee. Last week, alongside my colleagues Minister Champagne and Minister Gull-Masty, I was pleased to announce that in budget 2025, we will provide $660.5 million over five years, and more than $131 million ongoing, to advance gender equality across Canada. This is the largest single investment in the department's history since its creation in 2018.

Here's how it will make a difference. First, we are investing $382 million over five years, with $76.5 million ongoing, to support Canadian women and to stabilize the women's program. This will allow hundreds of organizations on the ground to help more women like me improve their economic security, achieve leadership roles and succeed in every sector of our economy.

Second, we are investing over $223 million over five years, with nearly $45 million ongoing, to continue federal efforts to address gender-based violence. This funding will enhance prevention efforts and survivor supports, because no one can learn, work or lead if they do not feel safe at home, online, at work or in our communities.

Third, we are investing over $54 million over five years, with nearly $11 million ongoing, to strengthen the 2SLGBTQI+ community capacity fund. These funds will help protect rights, expand networks and make spaces safer and more inclusive across the country.

Fourth, we are investing $7.5 million over five years, with $1.5 million ongoing, for Pride security.

Advancing women's economic security, addressing gender-based violence and protecting and empowering 2SLGBTQI+ communities form the foundation of a stronger, safer and more prosperous Canada.

Our government is also reaffirming its commitment to work with provinces and territories to support the continued implementation of the national action plan to end gender-based violence. This collaborative 10-year plan is bringing together federal, provincial and territorial partners with the shared goal of building a safer Canada that supports victims, survivors and their families in every community. It is about ensuring that no matter where someone lives—in a big city, a small town or a remote community—they can access the services and supports they need.

These historic investments build on other measures in budget 2025 that directly support women and gender-diverse Canadians. For example, through Build Canada Homes, we are investing $1 billion in transitional and supportive housing, because safe housing is often the first step toward healing and a fresh start. We are also introducing a code of conduct for the prevention of economic abuse, setting clear expectations for how banks identify, prevent and respond to financial control and coercion, a too common but often hidden form of gender-based violence.

Each of these measures reflects the same principle: Safety and opportunity go hand in hand. Behind every investment is a person—a woman who finds safety in a shelter, a survivor rebuilding her life, a young entrepreneur launching her first business or a family able to afford child care. Their success is Canada's success.

I'm committed to working alongside this committee, and I appreciate your time. I'm happy to be here with our deputy at WAGE and our assistant deputy for small business and tourism as well.

Thank you so much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Thank you, Minister.

We'll begin our round of questions. As you may have noticed, I'm very helpful. When you have one minute left in your question sequence, you get the yellow card. When you have 30 seconds left, you get the red card, and then I gently bring you to a close.

We will start with the Conservatives.

Madame Vien, you have six minutes.

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Minister, welcome.

The $660 million you mentioned, which was announced by the Minister of Finance last week, means nothing to us. We are all wondering why you announced this five days before the budget was tabled. For us, this does not resolve the issue of violence at all.

What is real and tangible are the figures on your website. Your annual plan for 2025-26 states, among other things, that your department’s spending will drop from $407 million in 2025-26 to $76 million in 2027-28. This is called a bloodbath. As for staffing levels, they will be reduced by 53%. For us, there is no doubt that this is a significant reduction that will affect women.

Do you think this is the right time to let the government make budget cuts in your department, when intimate partner violence has increased by 39% and sexual assault has increased by 76% since you came to power 10 years ago?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Thank you so much for that question.

I disagree. This is certainly not indicative of any cuts whatsoever.

As I said, we are going to continue to invest in supporting women and gender equality across the country. The announcement I just made, again, was about an investment in supporting women and women's economic empowerment and supporting and keeping safe our 2SLGBTQI+ communities while addressing gender-based violence and—

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

With all due respect, Minister, that is not what your website says, nor is it what your departmental plan says. Budgetary expenditures will drop from $407 million to $76 million. You were in contempt of Parliament last week when you made a $660 million announcement even before the budget was tabled.

How can you accept a reduction from $407 million to $76 million for the women of Canada? That is what we see on your website.

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Again, as I said, our investments are going to help strengthen women and gender equality.

My deputy looks like she wants to mention something.

[Frances McRae, Deputy Minister, Department for Women and Gender Equality]

Thank you.

This is just a bit of precision about what is on our Internet site. That would be a reflection of previous decisions made and would not have taken into account a proposed budget to come.

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Madam Chair, excuse me, but I don’t have much time with the minister, so I would like her to answer the questions.

Minister, in June, the Minister of Finance gave a fairly clear order to the entire cabinet. You were to reduce your budgets by 7.5% for the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2026, then by 10% for the following year and by 15% for the third year.

The question is quite simple: how will you respond to the request from your Minister of Finance to reduce your department’s spending by 7.5% this year?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Again, I'm going to emphasize that, contrary to what my colleague said, with this announcement there will be consistent, ongoing and stable funding so the women and gender equality ministry will have the support. I've already indicated that $660 million will go on the ground and—

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Minister, you are not answering my question. You have been ordered to reduce your spending by 7.5% this year, 10% next year and 15% in two years’ time.

What did you tell the Minister of Finance about what you were going to cut in your department to meet the targets he gave you?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Again, I want to say thanks to the women here who advocated to the Minister of Finance. We fought for this funding. I'm happy to share that, based on the announcement I made last week, we are going to be providing $660 million through the women and gender equality ministry to continue the good work we're doing. Again, this is consistent, ongoing and stable funding that—

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

Minister, are you telling us that you are exempt from the cuts that the Minister of Finance has asked every department to make, particularly with regard to the purchase of military supplies, for example? Are you telling us that you are exempt from these 7.5%, 10% and 15% reductions?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

I have good news for the honourable colleague. Again, we have our budget coming tomorrow at 4 p.m. All the details will be shown in that budget. It's good news. This is stable, predictable funding for the women and gender equality ministry.

[Dominique Vien, Conservative, Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, QC]

When the budget is tabled tomorrow, you will explain to Canadians why you announced $660 million out of thin air last week in contempt of Parliament. This is serious, Minister.

I have reviewed Women and Gender Equality Canada’s 2025-26 Departmental Plan. I found no performance indicators to assess the spending you say you are committing to violence against women. I would remind you that in Quebec, we have had 15 femicides since the beginning of 2025. Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence, has increased by 30%, and sexual assaults by 76%, since you became minister.

If you say that your government is so effective in this regard, how do you assess this? You spoke earlier about historic investments, yet your record on protecting Canadian women is very poor.

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Thank you for your question—

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

I'm sorry, but that's the time.

We're now going to Ms. Khalid for six minutes.

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Minister, for taking the time today.

Minister, what is the purpose of having a ministry that is specifically for women in our country?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

I am really proud to be able to advocate for women and gender equality. Our goal as a ministry is to ensure that as we're building the strongest economy in the G7, we're taking into consideration gender equality and ensuring the inclusive and full participation of women across the country.

We're doing that in several ways. I have already provided all the details for the announcement that I made. The way we're effectively able to do that is through our gender-based analysis plus and ensuring that we have that as an integrated component of government decision-making. It's the 30th anniversary of our GBA+. This is our commitment in ensuring that all the policies we put forward have the lens of ensuring that we're building equity through all the legislation we continue to put forward.

Again, as we do that, we're empowering women through their economic participation. We're ensuring our communities are safe. We're addressing gender-based violence. Ultimately, that will build the strongest economy in the G7.

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Thank you very much for that.

What is your role in involving other departments across the government in making sure the objectives you've just laid out are actually achieved?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

One of the roles I play as the Minister for Women and Gender Equality is the convenor role. I've spoken with many women and gender-diverse advocacy groups across the country. For example, we have round tables and conversations, as we did this past summer. We continue to bring forward the issues and concerns they have.

I'm able to share those with my colleagues within caucus and cabinet. This is to ensure that against the GBA+ lens, all government policies that are put forward are taking into consideration equity and equality.

There is one thing I also want to mention. I recently met with the provincial and territorial status of women ministers in the Northwest Territories. We had an incredible conversation. We were really looking at ways we can continue to address this in all regions across the country. Through those conversations and advocacy, I can continue to stand up and fight for women and gender equality across the country.

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

I really appreciate that. It is all about equality of opportunity, regardless of your gender or race, whom you love and every single denomination we can come up with. Thank you for the work you're doing in ensuring there is equality of opportunity.

Last week, you announced that in budget 2025 there would be an inclusion of over half a billion dollars for the Department for Women and Gender Equality. Women's organizations and stakeholders across the country have been calling for more stable and consistent funding.

Can you walk us through how this investment will help support them?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Again, with the announcement I made, it's absolutely critical that we have that stable and consistent funding for these organizations. I'd also like to share and ask you to look at what we've already been able to do in terms of investments. WAGE estimates that there are over 2,000 organizations operating right across the country that are literally saving lives. They are helping and are able to benefit from some of our investments made in the past.

As a case in point, here are some of our program successes: There have been 160,000 participants, people who have been directly impacted by our supports; 1,500 have leveraged our resources; 3,300 partnerships were strengthened or created; and 69% of funded projects have reduced barriers through gender equality. These are huge.

I think about my daughter, Cassidy, and the opportunities she will have growing up in a world where she can have the equality that we need and connecting it to the investments we make. These continued investments will ensure that the organizations on the ground have the capacity to build and have the resources to provide supports on the ground. This is something I'm greatly proud of, the supports that the women and gender equality ministry provides to Canadians.

[Iqra Khalid, Liberal, Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON]

Thank you very much for that very wholesome answer.

Minister, there has been some criticism about how we measure the supports we provide for women. What do you have to say to that?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

As for how we measure that, I already mentioned a couple of examples, but I will elaborate on those.

In 2023-24 alone, over 280,000 resources were delivered, and 731,000 individuals benefited. In that year alone, $559 million was invested in over 193 initiatives, counting federally, provincially and territorially. Again, these investments are all here to support women and gender equality across the country.

We're working directly with organizations, to which we've provided funding through robust agreements. The WAGE ministry will follow up and continue to ensure there's accountability so taxpayer dollars are maximized in every way to support women, gender equality and inclusion.