House of Commons Hansard #66 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was funding.

Topics

6:55 p.m.

NDP

Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, I wish I could believe those words, but I do not think this is about choosing at all. It is an example of the government's agenda to silence women in this country.

We have been witnessing this silencing since 2006, with cuts to Status of Women Canada's budget; the changes to Status of Women Canada's program funding mandate; the closure of 12 regional Status of Women Canada offices; the abandonment of the court challenges program; and most recently, the termination of the mandatory long form of the census.

Through the government's policies and actions, we are witnessing the systematic attempt to kill the women's movement and feminism in this country. It is an attempt to stifle some very important voices, especially those who speak for the poor and marginalized women in this country. This is the effect of what is happening. The government may insist that this is not the intention, but it is certainly the effect.

6:55 p.m.

Conservative

Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC

Mr. Speaker, I have never felt stifled. I am a woman, and I have always been proud to stand up in the House to defend women.

This summer, the Minister for Status of Women announced a major change to the application process for the women's community fund. To respond in a more timely and targeted fashion, Status of Women Canada will now accept applications for funding from the women's community fund all year long. That is a big change.

The status of women has always been important to our government. The NDP member has voted against every single program we have introduced. She voted against all of our measures to help women in Canada and in her community.

6:55 p.m.

Conservative

The Acting Speaker Conservative Barry Devolin

The 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 6:58 p.m.)