moved for leave to introduce Bill C-220, an act to amend the Financial Administration Act (balanced representation).
Mr. Speaker, today, New Democrats again propose legislation to require that the Government of Canada have balanced appointments, men and women, on federal crown corporation boards.
Last week, I met with the Nanaimo Port Authority, a fantastic, dynamic, professional board, with more women than men. Sadly, this is the exception in Canada. Women make up only 27% of federal appointments to crown corporation boards in this country. That is not acceptable. These agencies are missing out on the professionalism, the advice, and the wisdom of Canadian women.
Therefore, we are proposing concrete action to ensure the equality of men and women on crown corporation boards.
The bill carries forward the work of former MP Anne-Marie Day and the member for London—Fanshawe, who proposed this legislation in the previous session. It was voted down by the Conservatives two years ago.
Canada's government should use the power that it has to recognize women's contributions to the economy. Crown corporation boards should be gender balanced.
Actions speak louder than words.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)