Status of Women Committee on March 23rd, 2017

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

I'm very happy to see you, Minister Monsef, welcome.

Before we begin, I want to present a motion. There has been a request for the parliamentary secretary to receive the Library of Parliament briefing notes for public meetings. I would ask if there's a will from the committee to have that happen? Would one of the committee members move that motion?

It's moved by Pam Damoff that the parliamentary secretary receive Library of Parliament briefing notes for public meetings.

(Motion agreed to)

I understand that in addition to the Minister of Status of Women, we have today some visitors from Women in House. I believe some of our committee members want to provide a word of welcome to them, so we'll let Ms. Damoff begin.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

This is a fabulous day. Not only do we have the Minister of Status of Women here, but we also have a number of young ladies from the University of Toronto. I can't think of a better day for you all to be here, but our committee is always an interesting committee.

I hope this inspires you. I'm fortunate to have two young ladies with me for the day. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy, are inspired, and consider politics as a venue as you go forward in your careers.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

I am so proud today to have a young lady with me from U of T. What's really interesting is she's actually from Texas originally. Four years ago, she moved from Texas to Canada. Especially now, as we're looking at different things with gender equality and such, it's great to have a really fresh perspective. I'm very proud to have Madison Bruno from U of T, who is now living in the city of Toronto with her family.

This is a great opportunity for young women to see what we do in the House of Commons and what we can do as legislators. I welcome everybody here today. Please, ask any questions of all of us. It's really important we see all perspectives when we're looking at women's equality in all the different issues.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Ms. Malcolmson.

[Sheila Malcolmson, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Thanks, Chair.

Women in House is a program the University of Toronto and many other universities like McGill and Brock have brought here. Women in House is a great program that's waving through a number of universities.

I'm very pleased to have Emily Wuschnakowski with me today, and I appreciate the committee's welcome to these young women.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Welcome to all of you, and a special welcome to Minister Monsef.

We'll start with your opening remarks. You have 10 minutes.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Minister of Status of Women]

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Colleagues, friends, guests, allies, it's a great privilege to be in this room with you, the same room in which I was sworn in. To be on this traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples is a reminder of the privileges we bring to this room but also the responsibility that comes with all that privilege.

For your introductions, Madam Chair and colleagues, and your welcome to the young women, who are part of a movement, I'd say, to make sure that the next generation of leaders who take up these seats have a good sense of what they're walking into.... To that end, I will do my best to be as well behaved as I can possibly be.

I'm also here with Meena Ballantyne, who is the head of Status of Women Canada, as well as Anik Lapointe, who's our chief financial officer. As you know, we have an incredible team at Status of Women. They have found all sorts of innovative and creative ways over the years to make sure that the women's movement and the commitment of the federal government is there, improving the lives of women and girls.

In my remarks, Madam Chair, I thought I'd talk about a few things. I will tell you a little bit about me, the values I bring to this work and why I'm even doing this work, given that this is a really important opportunity for us to build a relationship that is mutually beneficial for us but also for Canadians. I think that's really important. I'll talk a little bit about my mandate. Most importantly, what I'd like to leave this room with, if you all agree, is a better understanding of how we can work together and how we can better align the work of the committee with the work that I've been mandated to do. I will also, of course, answer any questions you might have.

What an honour it is to be the Minister of Status of Women in 2017. My predecessor Minister Hajdu has done excellent work. It's a privilege to follow her, to pick up where she left off, and to lead the rest of the agenda that this government has.

I know that this committee is a unique committee, and not just because the chair is a member of Her Majesty’s official opposition. I was watching you long before I actually became the minister on this file, and the way you work together is truly unique. I think there's a recognition amongst members around this table that the work of your committee—the issues that affect women and girls and people of different genders across the country—doesn't really fit into any partisan lines. I know that you've travelled through stories of individuals, especially survivors, and that those stories weigh heavily on all of us. We have a shared responsibility to honour them.

This unique committee and the way that you're structured, the way that you work well together, is one other reason why I'm particularly excited to be part of this work. The work that you've done around gender-based analysis, around ending violence against young women and girls, is critical to the work of the government. I thank you for tabling your report recently. It was nice to see all of you on the cover of The Globe and Mail, again illustrating what I just talked about, that it's a shared responsibility.

For me, I was raised by a single mom. I'm an immigrant to this country. I grew up on public transit and various public social safety nets that allowed me to understand the challenges that people in a country as wealthy as Canada experience. I come to this place with that humility and also with a deep belief that in this country, anything is possible. A single mom, given the right resources and supports, can raise three daughters in a community that welcomes them, and they can aspire to dream big and to make a difference in the lives of those who have helped them.

My work, like that of many millennials, has involved a range of initiatives that have made a deep and quick impact in my community of Peterborough—Kawartha.

The same organization that allowed my family a safe roof over our heads in Peterborough—Kawartha, the YWCA, ended up being an organization for which I became vice-president of the board. By being a part of that movement, the oldest and the largest women's organization in the country, I've benefited from a lot of the collective wisdom there. It was actually the YWCA that afforded me the opportunity to go to the UN Commission on the Status of Women in 2013. Events came full circle just a week ago when members of this committee joined me at the 61st session of the UNCSW in New York, and it was so wonderful and empowering to have a number of you there experiencing the highs and the heaviness of that gathering.

I've also had an opportunity to work with settlement agencies, so the issues of migrant women have a particularly special place in my heart. In university, I was very much interested in mental health and mental illness and changing the stigma and the conversation around mental health, and was part of an international movement of young people on campuses devoted to changing that conversation. That's some of what I bring to this work. I know each of us around this table has personal reasons that we're in politics and we do this work, and I think that's a strength.

In many ways, the goals that are laid out in my mandate letter are connected to what I've always believed in: that government policy, regulation, and legislation can be and has to be sensitive to the different impacts they can have on women and men and people with different genders. This is a goal that I know we can and have all come together to support. Much of the work that you've already undertaken, and I hope the work ahead, is in line with my mandate letter.

My work generally falls under three broad categories. The first is ending and preventing all forms of gender-based violence. Your report is an important aspect of that work.

Second, it's focused on women's economic empowerment. Whether it's closing the wage gap, ensuring that more women enter STEM fields and other fields where they're traditionally not represented, or ensuring more women entrepreneurs are leading the way, that's a critical part of my work.

Then the third part is leadership. It's making sure that there's more diversity in places like this, making sure that Canada's corporate boards have more women in those seats. We know that greater diversity brings more relevant and responsive decisions and more innovation.

Broadly, those are the three areas that I'm mandated to work on.

You saw in budget 2017 that there's a commitment and I would say a major step towards gender equality in our country in that document. It includes the first-ever gender statement as part of the federal budget and a gender-based analysis that has made a positive impact with over 60 different measures that the government prioritizes. It also builds on the work of 2016 by continuing to invest in actions that help reduce gender inequality including housing, child care, and addressing gender-based violence. It also makes those significant strides towards women's economic empowerment.

In total, $101 million over five years is what's invested in this budget to address and prevent gender-based violence. This funding will allow us to create a centre of excellence on these issues and add a new survey and a new set of resources and data to help us better understand the current needs of Canadians in the immediate term. We'll soon be announcing that strategy and the foundations that are going to make sure that we are successful.

This will require engagement with provinces and with territories. But I don't need to tell you about the importance of doing that work because we know that for lasting change to occur, we need to work with everyone and engage them as part of the solution.

I'll take the last 45 seconds to talk about the main estimates. Status of Women Canada has been provided with $38 million to carry out its activities, which are highlighted in the 2017-18 departmental plan. The majority of the agency's funds are targeted for grants and contributions focused on those three areas of addressing and preventing violence, women's economic empowerment, and empowering women in leadership and decision-making.

Being the Status of Women minister in Canada in 2017 and being part of a government that is focused on gender equality and proud to call itself a feminist government is an honour. With that honour comes a great deal of responsibility that I am well aware of, but I know that with the contributions and the dedication of people like the people around this table, we can further the agenda of gender equality. We can make sure that Canadian women and girls, and those of different intersecting identities feel more like they belong, and feel more like they can fully participate. Canada, as a result, I know will be strengthened.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am happy to answer any questions colleagues may have.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Thank you.

We will go to questions.

Mr. Serré, you have seven minutes.

[Marc Serré, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair. I also want to thank you for the good work you have done on our committee. We really appreciate it.

Minister, thank you very much for appearing before us this morning. I also want to thank you for your approach and for the important message you have delivered about all political parties in Parliament needing to work together.

I will utilize a quotation in my first question and, Madam Chair, you'll be happy to hear that it comes from the VP of strategy and partnerships of Engineers Canada. It's from Jeanette Southwood, who indicates:

We are pleased to see Budget 2017's plans to address gender-based challenges by closing the gender wage gap, expanding maternity leave options and implementing flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees.

Madam Minister, can you expand on some of the highlights of yesterday's budget 2017?

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Absolutely, and I thank my colleague for being one of those good men without whom the work of gender equality would not be as effective, and for being there at the UN Commission for the Status of Women. I was truly proud that there were over 200 of us there and that there were so many male allies as part of the Canadian delegation.

I can tell you, broadly, a little bit about what this particular budget proposes. What you see in the budget is a direct reflection of what we've all heard from Canadians, and what history teaches us, that when you improve things for women and girls, you've improved outcomes for communities. When you enhance their economic potential, you've increased economic growth for everyone.

Let's talk about the economic fund. Investments in early learning and child care to support access to child care to allow greater participation in work, education, or training for mothers, but also for fathers or parents of different genders, will make a difference. It means that parents have that flexibility and the choice to focus on their families and their careers at the same time.

We also know that aside from caring for their children, women are often the caregivers for other members of the family. You've heard from the sandwich generation often, I'm sure, people who are not only caring for themselves and their partners and their own children, but find themselves, in our aging society, looking after their parents. A new EI caregiving benefit, which will allow more caregivers—the majority of whom are women—the ability to balance their work and family responsibilities. It is among the themes that we heard at the UN and at doorsteps.

And yes, we have recognized the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees, with flexible start and finish times, the ability to work from home, and new unpaid leave to help manage family responsibilities. It is about recognizing that the family dynamics in Canada have changed and will continue to change.

This is recognizing that some children come home from school at 2:30, but the work hours don't end at 2:30. Parents want to see their kids grow up, and grandparents want to see their grandchildren grow up. That flexibility, and allowing that flexibility within federally regulated workplaces is the federal government taking the lead, and leading by example. It is recognizing that when people are experiencing healthier and happier home lives, they are stronger contributors to their work life and to our economy broadly.

There is also investment in innovation and infrastructure. There is investment in things like affordable housing and, of course, addressing and preventing gender-based violence, but these are a few of the highlights in the budget that we know will make a lasting impact.

[Marc Serré, Liberal, Nickel Belt, ON]

Thank you.

It was a very worthwhile and educational experience going to the UN and participating in this important debate we are having here in Canada and across the world. I wanted to ask you, Minister, to expand on your thoughts about the role of men and boys in this conversation. We've heard from several witnesses across Canada on this topic, and I wanted you to expand on it.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

The feminist movement has been able to achieve incredible results. Changing the status quo, as I think all of us recognize around the table, is rarely easy. There is almost always tension and opposition, and there are days where for every step forward there are four steps back. It is the people, and many of them are women, within the feminist movement who have kept this work alive. They're the reason we find ourselves in 2017 with a feminist budget. This is a direct result of their relentless and creative advocacy.

We know that the feminist movement can be strengthened further by ensuring that men and boys are part of this conversation. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of other single mothers, and these single mothers had sons and daughters, and those sons were just as important a part of their mothers' lives as their daughters were. Those sons were just as much affected by the struggles of their single parent as their sisters were.

That's one reason we need to include boys in this conversation, and we need to do it at a young age. Young people today are brilliant, and in many ways they're growing up faster than they ought to. I've seen in front of me boys grow up to be strong boys who respect and appreciate the work of their mothers. These boys grow up to be respectful partners and effective fathers. What's better than that?

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

Sorry, that's your time.

We're going now to Ms. Vecchio.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

May I ask, Madam Chair, if I ramble on, because I'm clearly passionate about this work and I'm my most charming self early in the morning, if you could just wave at me and let me know my time is up? I would appreciate that.

[The Chair, Conservative, Marilyn Gladu]

I will do that. I run a tight ship as your folks will tell you.

We'll go to Ms. Vecchio now.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Perfect.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

First of all, thanks very much for coming here, Minister. There are a few things I was proud to see in the budget. I think the money set aside for shelters under the housing is very important for people with addictions and for people fleeing violence. I would like to commend the government on that. I think it was very much needed, as was the caregiver employment insurance. I think that 15 weeks is a very positive thing that will be given to people who need to stay home and take care of their critically ill family. I commend you on those two efforts.

I have a question in response to the parental leave. We heard this week from witnesses regarding top-ups. Now they're stating that the parental leave is going to be 33% of the actual employment insurance benefit. We recognize the maximum benefit is $555 per week, so we have to see how little this money is going to be.

I would like to know the government's plan, because we heard people say that there needs to be a top-up. How is the government planning on making this benefit? We talk about men wanting to take part of the parental leave and that's what we're trying to do, but we're going to now be asking people to have 33% of their income. What are we expecting the private sector to do here? There's talk of a top-up, but the private sector cannot afford a top-up at that rate. As I have quite a few questions, could you please tell me in brief and precise terms what the plans are for that?

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

That's quite a few questions, and I thank you. I know you've heard the stories of why this is important. We committed $90 million to the network of shelters across the country in the last budget, and the $11-billion investment in affordable housing is the natural next step. We know that women, especially those who are fleeing violence, need more than just shelters and that having a safe, affordable roof over their heads is a key step towards their economic empowerment.

As to parental leave, we know that the time you have with your family, the flexibility and the choice to take your time or go right back in the workforce, is really important to Canadians, and we wanted to make sure that was reflected in the framework we've laid out in the budget. The details of that—

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Yes, it's the details.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

—have not been finalized. I know that my colleagues and I will be working to ensure that it's done right.

As far as the private sector goes, these are the job creators, and I recognize that. They are the ones growing our economy. The most that the federal government can do is create the conditions for that economic growth, but we've also heard from the private sector that what they cannot afford is leaving half our population on the sidelines. I know that they appreciate the leadership that the federal government is showing, and they recognize that ultimately it's good for their bottom lines as well.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Okay.

I'd like to move on to Bill C-337, the “JUST Act” that was put forward by Rona Ambrose. First of all, I would like to know where you stand on this and how you will be voting on Bill C-337, since we recognize that it came from many of our recommendations from the violence against women study.

I would like to have your thoughts on that, please.

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Thank you.

I always applaud any member of the House who brings forward a private member's bill that will further gender equality, and I certainly thank Ms. Ambrose for her work. We all know that survivors of sexual assault need to be treated with compassion and that respect is critical. Ensuring that their dignity is intact is critical to how they feel they are treated but also to whether other women and girls who experience that violence feel they can come to authority figures and seek justice. I'm incredibly pleased that this bill will give us an opportunity to discuss this issue.

You saw in the budget that lifelong learning for everyone, for people of all sectors, is a priority for us, and that includes the judiciary. We also know that an independent judiciary is fundamental to Canada's democracy and that it's separate from executive and legislative branches. We actually have no jurisdiction to mandate this training. I look forward to the work this committee will do to review it and to study it. I look forward to watching the bill be presented in the House and to making a thoughtful decision then.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Moving on here, we also see that the plan is to hire 17 people this year at Status of Women and an additional 20 next year. I would like to know what the specific roles will be and what the performance indicators will be, especially when we're also looking outside of these regional offices. When we're looking at this budget, the estimates show that more money will be spent in the department and that a small decrease will be going to the actual groups and associations that provide the front-line work.

Can you please advise me on what the plans are so that we can make sure the money is being used most effectively and we are actually having results? As well, how will you be coming up and presenting those results?

[Maryam Monsef, Liberal, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

As you know, the government is focused heavily on deliverology and a results-based approach. That's certainly what I have been taught, so we'll be coming to this committee, as we have, with those indicators, frameworks, and deliverables.

As you know, there were 10 years when these organizations you're talking about were starved. They didn't have adequate funding. Those who were advocates for the vulnerable populations that they served were penalized. They were not allowed the same funding opportunities that those who didn't were allowed, and the regional offices were closed. Part of the reason for enhancing the capacity of Status of Women is to catch up with 10 years of cuts that hurt women.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

All right. We'll move on, then.