Debates of June 7th, 2010

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that these decisions by Status of Women Canada are simply a matter of choosing between old and new. It is an example of the government's agenda to silence women in this country. We have witnessed this silencing since 2006 with cuts to Status of Women Canada's budget, the changes to Status of Women Canada programming, the closure of 12 regional offices, the abandonment of the court challenges program, and the list goes on.

Through the government's policies and actions we are witnessing the systematic death of the feminist movement in this country. We see the stifling of some very important voices, especially those who speak for the poor and marginalized women. This is the effect of what is happening. The government may insist that it is not the intention, but it is the effect.

When will the government cease its ideological attack on women in Canada and women abroad?

[Sylvie Boucher, Conservative, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Mr. Speaker, first, as I already said, this government has increased funding for the women's program to an unprecedented level.

The two parts of the women's program, the women's community fund and the women's partnership fund, have had a direct impact on the lives of over 175,000 women and an indirect impact on the lives of over 1.8 million women.

With all due respect to my colleague, she is seeing what she wants to see. On this side of the House, we are working with Status of Women Canada to implement programs to serve all Canadian women, whether they are rich or poor, to help them move forward and achieve their dreams.

[The Deputy Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

A motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, this House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 7:54 p.m.)