Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, Canada ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. We should be celebrating but we cannot because the Conservative government clearly does not support women's equality.
It has cut the Status of Women's budget by 40%. It has removed the word “equality” from its mandate. It has abolished the court challenges program. Funding rules for women's groups no longer promote equality. Women in my community and across Canada face severe repercussions because of the government's actions.
Canada had a reputation for upholding women's rights. We should forge a path forward, not march back in time.
The Prime Minister said that he would respect women's rights but, clearly, this was an empty promise.
I urge the Conservative government to honour the principles of equality and fairness that all Canadians value.