Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), budget 2008 referenced an action plan to advance the equality of women and in particular to improve women’s economic and social conditions and their democratic participation across Canada. Work towards the development of an action plan to advance equality for women focused on three areas which were made public in 2008 and reconfirmed in 2009: improving women’s economic security and prosperity; ending violence against women; andencouraging women’s leadership and democratic participation.
In response to (b), a diversity of organizations and individuals were engaged in discussions from across Canada including provincial and territorial governments. In accordance with the Privacy Act, the names of individuals cannot be disclosed without their consent. While some individuals present were associated with organizations, they were not necessarily present representing those organizations.
In response to (c), engagement sessions and meetings took place in 2008 and 2009.
In response to (d), engagement sessions were held in: Halifax, Summerside, Gagetown, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Barrie, Collingwood, Markham, Red Deer, Yellowknife and Vancouver.
In response to (e), initiatives to advance equality for women are supported through a variety of federal programs and time frames.
In response to (f), an action plan to advance equality for women was announced in the 2008 budget plan in March 2008.
In response to (g), an action plan to advance equality for women was announced in Ottawa through the release of the 2008 budget plan.
In response to (h), initiatives to advance equality for women are supported through a variety of existing funding sources.
In response to (i), the action plan announced in the 2008 budget plan was a woman-centered initiative. A variety of circumstances affecting women are considered in development and funding of initiatives.