Status of Women Committee on April 29th, 2008

[Josée Verner, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

Regarding pay equity, I suggest that you invite my colleague, the Minister of Labour, Jean-Pierre Blackburn. He is very aware of this issue and he could explain to you in detail what he is doing for equity pay. I think that you will be delighted with what he has to say.

[Nicole Demers, Bloc, Laval, QC]

There was also a question regarding gender-specific analysis done by the departments.

[Josée Verner, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

You heard the Auditor General's testimony. Indeed, I am anxious to read her report. She must be studying the period from 2000 to 2007 to see if any progress has been made. We are very open to any proposals that would help to improve things.

[Nicole Demers, Bloc, Laval, QC]

Do you intend to—

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Madame Demers, we have to be fair. I know the minister is on a tight time schedule and Ms. Mathyssen wants a couple of minutes.

Ms. Mathyssen, you have two minutes. Thank you.

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Okay, and I'll be succinct.

Ms. Beckton was talking about equity across the regions. Minister, I'm wondering, does Status of Women Canada have any plans to evaluate the closing of the 12 regional offices, the cancellation of the policy research fund, and changes in the terms and conditions of the women's program? If so, when will these evaluations take place, and can we see the reports from those evaluations? I'd be most interested to see the impact of the closing of those regional offices.

[Josée Verner, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

As Ms. Beckton was just saying, we must always evaluate our successes and learn our lessons, according to the number of projects and the results obtained with funds granted by the government to help the groups.

Right from the outset, let me tell you one thing: the first observation I can make is the fact that we received a record number of applications this year for projects presented by women's groups. I think that this tells us a great deal about the method that was adopted to help more women's groups with their applications. I am especially thinking of the updates to the website.

In fact, we must make sure that women's groups understand how they can fill out their application with the help of Service Canada, with its nearly 500 outlets in Canada. They offer access to women's groups who want to fill out their applications. The first immediate, concrete result of the change in direction of Status of Women Canada was a record number, a large number of applications for funds made by women's advocacy groups.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Thank you.

I know the minister has to leave. I'd like to thank the minister for being here.

Minister, you acknowledged the good work that the Standing Committee on the Status of Women is doing. This committee has been working very cooperatively on a number of issues; therefore, it is a disappointment that the elected representatives who have worked so hard for the economic security of women, for the Status of Women, are being left out of the APEC conference. I'm hoping you will reconsider it.

I'd like to leave you with a brief note. If the government is really serious about women, the economic security, the gender budgeting that we are doing.... In 2002-03 the budget for the Status of Women was $24 million. By 2006 it was cut by $14 million, and it has never been replenished. Therefore, when we talk figures, we have to be careful not to fudge figures. It's very critical for us that we understand where these figures are coming from and where we are to go.

I know you are in a hurry to go. If you would like to take your time and respond to us later on, that would be fine. I am cognizant of your time constraints.

We thank you for coming. Perhaps we will have--

[Josée Verner, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

If that is okay, Madam Chair, perhaps we could come back to that later. I can see that everybody is shaking their head in response to what you said. I am actually on duty in the House and I am going to have to leave, but I think it would be worthwhile to give the women who are here with me today an opportunity to respond to what you just said.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Minister, I'm hoping you will reconsider the APEC issue.

Thank you.

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Madam Chair, could I ask that the information I asked for be tabled for the committee, please?

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Sure.

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Madam Deschamps.

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

I'd like to move a motion concerning the meeting.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Can the minister leave?

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Yes, she can.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Merci, Minister.

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

There are going to be some important meetings held soon. And I'm referring specifically to the APEC meeting. I think that it would be quite appropriate for members of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women to be part of the delegation and attend these important meetings. One of the topics discussed, among others, will be equality between the sexes. And as it happens, we're currently writing a report on this. I don't know if my colleagues share my opinion, but I think that it would be most appropriate for us to be part of this delegation.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Thank you, Minister.

While Madame Deschamps has her motion...do I hear any objection to that motion? If there is no objection, then I'll allow the motion.

Ms. Deschamps, Ms. Boucher would like you to repeat the motion.

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

Ms. Boucher, would you like me to reread the motion? Are you listening?

It is quite simple. I am asking that we be allowed to be part of the delegation attending the APEC meeting which will take place in May.

Ms. Boucher, you got me to repeat—

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

I am listening to you, but I don't have to look at you.

[Johanne Deschamps, Bloc, Laurentides—Labelle, QC]

I think that that demonstrates a lack of respect.

So, I am asking that we be part of the delegation in attendance at the 13^th meeting of the Women Leaders' Network and the Gender Focal Point Network, which will be held in May.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yasmin Ratansi]

Are there any objections to that motion?

[Patricia Davidson, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

Will it be done today?