Mr. Chair, I would like to remind the minister that the initiative on the status of women was actually suggested by the NDP and supported by the opposition parties before the Liberals agreed to it.
One of the priorities of the Department of Status of Women is to improve women's economic autonomy and well-being.
The reality is that Statistics Canada reports that one in five Canadian women live in a low income situation. On average a woman earns 70¢ to 80¢ for every dollar a man earns, depending on which statistics are used. More than 72% of part time workers are women.
Wage inequity follows women for life. The Canada pension plan is based on an individual's earning history and many women retire into poverty. The average Canada pension benefit currently paid to women is $285 per month. For men it is $410 per month. This does not sound like progress.
Would the minister comment on funding for the department? Does she feel that the money allocated to status of women is appropriate given the enormous challenges faced by Canadian women on a daily basis just to earn a living? How does she plan to increase the resources to address the realities of women living in Canada?