Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to draw attention to International Women's Day.
Today more than ever before, it is important to keep a watchful eye on the gains made by women in recent years, as their socioeconomic situation makes them more vulnerable to the impact of cuts being made left and right in these times of fiscal austerity.
More than 58 per cent of single mother families live under the poverty line. Women who work full time earn on average less than 70 per cent of what their male counterparts make.
The federal government recently abandoned its child care plan and announced in the last budget that seniors' pension benefits would be calculated on the basis of family income. This represents an incredible setback for women.
The struggle for equality is far from over. That is why the Bloc Quebecois will always be there to remind this Liberal government of its commitments regarding equality for women.