Status of Women Committee on April 28th, 2014

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the 20th hearing of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. Today we are undertaking our study of the 2014-2015 main estimates.

I want to welcome the Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable K. Kellie Leitch, as well as those accompanying her: Ms. Linda Savoie, Acting Head of Agency, and Ms. Anik Lapointe, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Corporate Services, both from Status of Women Canada.

I will first of all yield the floor to Dr. Leitch.

You have the floor for 10 minutes.

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Minister of Status of Women]

Merci, Madam Chair.

Thank you to the committee members for inviting me to discuss the 2014-15 main estimates for Status of Women Canada and our priorities over the next fiscal year.

I'm joined today, as was mentioned, by Linda Savoie, our acting coordinator and head of agency for Status of Women Canada, and by Anik Lapointe, chief financial officer and director for corporate services.

Before going any further, I would like to highlight for the committee that the Prime Minister has recently named Meena Ballantyne to become Head of Status of Women Canada, effective May 12, 2014. I look forward to working with her collaboratively on issues affecting Canadian women and girls in the weeks and months ahead.

I'd also like to thank Suzanne Clément, the former coordinator of Status of Women Canada, on the occasion of her upcoming retirement for all of her achievements and service to Canadians over the last 37 years. She had an outstanding career in the public service and has done an outstanding job for Status of Women Canada.

Since I last met with your committee, I've continued to reach out to Canadians from coast to coast to coast. What I've heard from Canadians is that they want jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity, and they want us to continue our efforts in building a society where women and men are equal participants in the social, economic, and democratic life of our country.

In 2014-15, Status of Women Canada will continue to focus its efforts in a number of key areas: creating economic opportunities for women, including increasing representation as entrepreneurs and in skilled professional trades; ending violence against women and girls; promoting women in leadership and decision-making roles, including increasing representation of women on corporate boards; and strengthening implementation of gender-based analysis.

As members of the committee, you know our government's annual support for community-based local projects has nearly doubled since 2006-07, with a substantive increase from the $10.8 million under the former Liberal government to just under $19 million today—its highest level in Canadian history. These funds have supported over 720 new local projects that continue to improve the lives of women and girls across Canada and have done so since 2007.

A key component of the women's program is an investment of over $54 million since 2007 to increase the economic security and prosperity of Canadian women. We've just recently announced a new call for proposals for local community projects that will advance economic opportunities for women in three key areas: entrepreneurs and professionals; to support mentorship and sponsorship, helping them find their champion; and to advance Canadian women's financial preparedness. By developing and investing in local partnerships, these projects will help identify and address the unique challenges women face when seeking out promising economic opportunities.

Economic action plan 2014 included a number of benefits for Canadian women. We know that mentorship can mean the difference between a promising business and a successful business. Announced in the budget was a new initiative to increase mentorship among women entrepreneurs, and I'm excited to be leading this effort on behalf of the Government of Canada because the facts are very clear. Women-led businesses employed 1.5 million Canadians last year, and women majority-owned businesses generated $148 billion in the Canadian economy in 2011 alone. They punch well above their weight.

Madam Chair, our government also recognizes that women's economic security and prosperity go hand in hand with their safety. That's why we've placed a very high priority on addressing violence against women and girls. We all know the enormous impact it has on victims, families, and their communities. As a government, we also understand the complex nature of this issue and we're taking a multi-faceted approach to addressing it. Examples of initiatives we've spearheaded include passing the Safe Streets and Communities Act to improve safety for all Canadians, launching a national action plan to combat human trafficking, increasing penalties for violent crimes, and introducing legislation to give police and prosecutors new tools to address cyberbullying.

In addition, just a few weeks ago, the government announced the long-awaited victims bill of rights, a significant piece of legislation that will create clear statutory rights at the federal level for victims of crime, for the first time in Canadian history.

Since 2007 we've invested $69 million through the women's program for local community projects to end violence against women and girls.

Some of these projects have focused on engaging men and boys in ending violence, addressing violence against women and girls in rural and remote communities, and supporting the reduction of violence in post-secondary campus communities.

Our government also understands that communities need to be engaged in order to succeed in combatting violence against women. Our government is strongly committed to promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls internationally. I was honoured to lead Canada's delegation to the 58th meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York just a few weeks ago, where we continued to advance Canada's priorities at the United Nations General Assembly, such as the elimination of child, early, and forced marriages.

This devastating issue and the effects of child, early, and forced marriage are indisputable. I'm very proud to say that Canada has taken a strong stance against the practice and is leading international efforts to address it. We participated in a cross-regional group to develop a procedural resolution to address the issue at the 24th session of the Human Rights Council, and Canada co-led the first-ever stand-alone resolution on child, early, and forced marriage at the UN General Assembly last year.

In addition, we've recently announced $5 million to tackle the causes and consequences of child, early, and forced marriage in countries around the world. These funds are being used initially in programs in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. We strongly condemn this practice.

The practice of child, early, and forced marriage is a violation of basic human rights. It is a form of violence. It jeopardizes the physical and mental health of girls and it prevents them from getting an education. It touches their families, communities, and the world in which they live. Our government places a high priority on the full participation of women and girls in all aspects of society, and as I say, we condemn this practice.

We are also convinced that a significant reduction in the number of child, early, and forced marriages will result in a healthier and more secure society, increase development, and therefore lead to more prosperous societies. I'm proud of Canada's commitment to this cause and the Prime Minister's unwavering leadership to eradicate this practice, which harms women and girls around the world.

In closing, whether it be a region of our country or around the world, our government will continue to take decisive action to help create positive, concrete changes for women and girls. That is our commitment. That is my commitment.

Thank you very much for having me here today. I'd be happy to take any questions.

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

Thank you very much, Madam Minister.

We will now begin our first round of questions.

Ms. Truppe, you have seven minutes.

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Minister Leitch, for being with us here again today.

I think I can speak on behalf of all the committee members. We know that you're busy and you have quite the schedule, so we really do appreciate your taking the time.

Thank you also to Madams Lapointe and Savoie for being here as well.

The main estimates lay out several priorities for the office that coordinates the status of women, the most important of which is creating conditions or influencing our culture to foster success for women and girls in Canada.

How would you say the department accomplishes this with the funds that are made available?

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

Thank you for that question.

Status of Women Canada has several funding opportunities, and probably one of the more substantive is our regular call for proposals that is done on a thematic basis, a theme that is carefully considered to make sure that it's meeting one of the three core priorities of Status of Women Canada.

Whether it be a focus on economic security for women, making sure that they are developing new skills so that they can acquire the jobs that are available in our economy, whether it be to end violence against women and girls—something I spoke of just a few moments ago and something that I think all Canadians put top of mind as something that has to be eradicated—or whether it be providing women leadership skills, whether that's in a parliamentary domain, like this, or in their local community, these are our three priorities. We do that by creating funding opportunities for local community projects through a call for proposals, which are carefully considered.

But in addition to that—and I want all Canadians to be aware of this—we have one of the few departments that has a continuous intake program, an opportunity for anyone across the country who's interested in focusing on these issues that create equity for women to apply any day of the year. They can do so in an effort to make sure that they are representing their community and providing a local project.

One of those projects that I'm delighted that we have, which focuses on that issue of making sure that we're dealing with violence against women and girls, is our most recent project with the Toronto Argonauts and the White Ribbon campaign. It's one that we're supporting to end violence against women and girls. It is a 36-month project called Huddle Up & Make a Call, a mildly amusing name. But that being said, it's providing opportunities to educate young men and boys with respect to appropriate behaviours, so that we can end and eradicate violence against women and girls. I think it's exceptionally important.

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you. I know that ending violence against women and girls is an obvious priority, but I'm glad you're also working on the entrepreneurs as well.

You mentioned the continuous intake program. I think that is just a fabulous thing that Status of Women Canada has. I promote it almost every time I speak. Individuals can apply anytime throughout the year as long as there are funds available. It's probably one of the few departments that do that.

Status of Women Canada's report on plans and priorities has a focus on women entrepreneurs. Supporting women entrepreneurs is also a 2014 economic action plan commitment, as you mentioned. We know that you're very interested in this issue, as you mentioned in your comments at the beginning, and that through the many round tables and trips to different parts of Canada you've had the opportunity to meet many Canadian women who want to contribute to Canada's prosperity.

Through the women you have met, what would you say are some of the perennial issues for businesswomen in Canada?

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

Again, thank you for the question.

I was delighted to see this opportunity that was presented in economic action plan 2014. It was very forward-looking, I think, for the former minister of finance, Jim Flaherty, as well as the Prime Minister to be focused on women entrepreneurs and their enormous potential.

As I mentioned just a few minutes ago, we know that Canadian women-led businesses employ 1.5 million Canadians. We know that they actually hire more women into their firms. We know that they generated $148 billion in economic wealth in our country just a few years ago, and that continues to rise. These firms, these women, punch well above their weight. The investment that we're making is in developing a mentorship and sponsorship program so that more women can be supported to make sure that not only do they begin and start up their business but they can maintain it and grow it, employing more Canadians and providing an excellent quality of life for their families.

I'm delighted with this new program. I encourage all parliamentarians and other Canadians to please suggest to us who we should talk to in order to build a robust and focused program. I've been hearing from women and men across the country on how to develop the best mentorship program we can have in the country. If you have suggestions or ideas, I welcome them at any time.

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you.

From your travels across Canada and meeting these women, what would you say is the most important issue you've come across, or maybe the most important suggestion, if you've received any?

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

The round table discussions with regard to women's leadership was something I began well before the budget. The issues that came up and that were top of mind were about the items that will allow a woman to be the most successful.

Mentorship is the number one item that comes up again and again. Hence, I'm pleased that it's supported in economic action plan 2014. The other item is having a champion, having someone who actually speaks to supporting you at the table. Hence, the sponsorship component part of this program.

The other component parts, which are supported by our most recent call for proposals, are making sure that women are financially literate, that they are financially prepared, so that they can maintain their business and grow it. That's why our most recent call for proposals includes a component part of allowing organizations across the country to apply for support for financial preparedness.

It's also making sure that women entering into skilled professional trades are supported. Many of the women who are entrepreneurs actually are skilled professional tradespeople. They are out there doing an outstanding job getting their apprenticeship and then making sure that they're starting their own small firm, whether as an electrician or a carpenter, and being involved in their local community.

Our new call for proposals approach I think covers the facets of what Canadian women and Canadian men across the country have said are the best ways for getting women involved in the economy.

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you.

I'm still okay for time?

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

You have just enough time to say, “Thank you very much, Madam Minister”.

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[Susan Truppe, Conservative, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

Ms. Ashton, you have seven minutes.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Thank you, Minister, for joining us today.

I think any Canadian would agree with the statement that progress for women goes hand in hand with safety and certainly putting an end to violence against women. But we have some real concerns about the way in which programming around that priority of ending violence against women has been decided on.

From the 2012 figures, we understand that out of 288 applicants, only 26 received funding. Clearly there's a much greater need than what this government is responding to. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that a disproportionate number of the applicants that are indigenous organizations focused on women...in fact, more than 60. We know that the vast majority of those didn't receive funding. In fact only two of these organizations were funded. We know that more than 800 indigenous women are missing or have been murdered in Canada. It's a national epidemic. We hear calls of action and the need for a national inquiry.

On the most basic level of programming, why is the status of women agency choosing to fund only two out of the 62 indigenous women's organizations that have actively reached out for support?

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

I want to be very clear. Status of Women Canada since 2007 has supported over 200 aboriginal women's programs. Violence against women and girls needs to be eliminated. We are very focused, as a top priority of our government, on eliminating violence against women and girls, but in particular on making sure that this issue is addressed amongst aboriginal Canadians.

But with regards to—

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

One moment, I think there is a problem with translation.

[Djaouida Sellah, NDP, Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC]

I can't hear the interpretation.

Wait; I think it had been turned off by mistake.

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

Okay. It seems to be working now.

You may continue.

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

Merci.

We have very specific criteria with respect to the programs and proposals that are presented to Status of Women Canada. In fact we receive hundreds of them. The criteria are very clear and they are made out to all Canadians. But I am delighted with the programs that have been supported in local communities that aboriginal women are supporting.

By way of example one of our best programs, I think, and one thing that I think many people are very proud of is the aboriginal women's leadership program in Saskatchewan. This is an indigenous leadership development program that received $325,000 for a 30-month project. The end result of this was not only that many aboriginal women were trained and able to take on leadership roles but that the first woman vice-chief in the history of the Federation of the Saskatchewan Indian Nations was actually elected—proven results for an excellent program put together, developed, and implemented in a local community area.

So do I encourage as many women from aboriginal populations, Inuit, and Métis across the country to apply? Absolutely. In fact I was in Thunder Bay on Thursday, Winnipeg on Friday, and Kenora on Saturday meeting with a wide range of Canadian women including indigenous women. I talked to them all about the program. I encouraged them all to apply.

But I will be frank. We do have very strict criteria and all Canadians need to meet that criteria. Our staff and the public service work extremely hard to make sure that all Canadians have access to this program.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Thank you.

We have heard of the program in Saskatchewan, which is definitely positive. We'd certainly love to see it extend across the country. We were heartened to hear from Status of Women officials a few weeks ago that in fact there is an examination into why the criteria isn't being met by the vast majority of indigenous women's organizations. We certainly encourage that process because clearly two out of 62 organizations is unacceptable.

Minister, I have had the chance over the last number of weeks to hear from service providers, advocates, lawyers, shelter and transition house workers, all who work in the area of violence against women. Most recently I had a chance to be in British Columbia to hear from people on the ground there.

What I've been hearing from people across the country is very similar in messaging, a kind of frustration the people at the front lines are facing as a result of cutbacks, particularly from the federal government. In fact in the NGO community we are hearing from people that are saying they are effectively subsidizing the work of government and that when it comes to their priorities, accessing short-term project funding does not give them the kind of security and stability to deal with critical issues in the area of violence against women.

My question is about how you would respond directly to these service providers who are telling us that the granting programs of your department do not meet their needs.

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

We have almost doubled the amount of funding provided through Status of Women Canada since coming to government. We provide direct funding for local community projects. What I'm told by individuals across the country—and I can confidently say I meet literally hundreds of Canadians every week—is that they are delighted that our investments are in local community projects that are having a meaningful impact in their communities.

Overall, Status of Women Canada has funded over 720 projects in the last seven years and across the country has created an outstanding fabric of local community involvement that provides great opportunities but addresses local needs. We know the Canadian growing up and being impacted by an issue in downtown Vancouver is exceptionally different from that individual who may be in your hometown of Churchill or who may be on the Atlantic Canadian coast.

These local community projects—which are what we were asked to do and how we were asked to develop this program just after we became government—are exactly what we're implementing. I can tell you that they're developing results, whether those are an increase in the number of women entering the skilled professional trades or the meaningful impact we're having on campuses in Vancouver because of our initiative addressing violence against women and girls. These projects are having a meaningful impact.

I would tell them to look at the program and apply to the program. We are always open to new and exciting ideas that address one of the three core project areas at Status of Women Canada. We would encourage as many Canadians as possible to apply, to let us help them, and to work on what that community project is, so we can address the needs in their local community.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill, MB]

Thank you.

[The Chair, NDP, Hélène LeBlanc]

Thank you very much.

We will now hear from Ms. O'Neill Gordon for seven minutes.

[Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Conservative, Miramichi, NB]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Minister, for being with us today. We certainly realize you have a busy schedule and we appreciate the time you have taken to be with us here today. As well, I want to thank and welcome Anik Lapointe and Linda Savoie for being with us.

I know you are here to speak about the main estimates and how they fit into the larger picture of our government's economic action plan.

As we all know, Canada has enjoyed great success internationally, and this year the IMF declared that it expected Canada to be the strongest-growing economy in the G-7 over the next two years. Our economy continues to grow, as do our various industries and commerce sectors. In fact both the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development expect Canada to be among the strongest-growing economies in the G-7 over this year. The next three major credit-rating agencies have reaffirmed their top ratings for Canada.

This is very good news, Minister, as you know and we all know. It is expected that Canada will maintain its AAA rating in the year ahead.

We have seen investments in Canada through Status of Women Canada, and as you indicated, in the last seven years alone the Government of Canada has provided over $53 million for projects to promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, more than $9 million has gone to projects that address women's entrepreneurship. That alone certainly brings a lot of money into our Canadian economy.

I'm interested in hearing about our economic action plan for 2014, and specifically about the increasing role of women in Canada's business sector. Does action plan 2014 offer support to women in areas where it had been lacking before? Why is this such an important issue for all of us?