Helena Guergis

[Status of Women, February 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the member will know, as I have already answered this question in committee not too long ago, that the Department of Finance has actually been conducting gender-based analysis on its tax measures since budget 2006.

I note for the record that it is not a coincidence that it happened when a Conservative government came into office.

[Status of Women, February 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I know the member is very disappointed in the Liberal Party's record and her own personal record on women's issues. They had 13 years to deliver, but they failed.

Not only did they cut funding for status of women twice, but they also failed to deliver pay equity and they failed aboriginal women, while we on this side of the House delivered on all those and more. Not only do we have the highest percentage of women in cabinet, but I am the first minister of state solely dedicated to status of women, and I say clearly that I know how to use my little big stick.

[Status of Women, February 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her work on this important file.

Next week is International Women's Week, culminating in International Women's Day on March 8. This year's poster theme, which we unveiled today, is “Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality”. It clearly underscores our government's record on supporting and protecting women.

With Status of Women funding at its highest level, support for Sisters in Spirit, an end to house arrest for violent sexual crimes, our government is committed to the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

I encourage all members to come together to celebrate and recognize the enormous contributions of all women.

[Status of Women, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, let me say that this government takes equality very seriously. Not only have we increased the amount of funding for Status of Women Canada by 42%, but we also have seen an increase in the number of organizations across the country by 69% that are now receiving funding. Forty-one per cent in fact are new organizations.

What one recipient recently had to say about the positive changes this government has made for women was that its project had been pending for nearly a decade and without the financial support from the current government, “the project would still be sitting on my desk”.

[Status of Women, February 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the member to take a moment to read the budget because it does in fact mention women. I think it is important that not only have we increased the funding at Status of Women, we have streamlined the funding. We now have two components, the partnership fund and the community fund.

I think the member will be pleased to know that the number of organizations now receiving funding through Status of Women has increased by 69%.

[Status of Women, January 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, first, I think it is important to point out that right now at Status of Women and the women's program, we have the highest level of funding in the history of the country under the leadership of the Prime Minister. I am sure the hon. member recognizes that a 42% increase is substantial.

With respect to the budget, it is a long-term economic action plan that will benefit all Canadians and this includes women. I have consulted with women across the country and I can assure the member that many of their concerns are reflected in this economic action plan.

[Status of Women, December 2nd, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, does the hon. member recognize that our government and Prime Minister have consistently demonstrated our commitment to women? We want the full participation of women within the social, economic, cultural and democratic life of Canada. One only needs to look. We have the highest percentage of women appointed to cabinet in the history of this country.

I note that women across this country did not elect a separatist coalition.

[Violence Against Women, November 26th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, our government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to women's issues. The Prime Minister appointed the first minister of state who is solely dedicated to the Status of Women.

I am also very proud that our government recently joined the UNIFEM campaign to say no to violence. Canada joins 159 ministers and heads of state from 60 governments in supporting UNIFEM's call to see an end to violence against women.

The announcement is particularly important as we mark the 16 days of activism against gender violence, including Canada's day of remembrance, December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

[Violence against women, November 25th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the member is aware that Canada just signed on to the UNIFEM campaign to say no to violence against women. This is an issue that our government takes very seriously.

I look forward to working with the member as we develop our action plan. Not only will it talk about economic security for women, but there will be a huge component on violence against women and on women in more leadership roles across Canada.

[Violence Against Women, November 25th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question and look forward to working with her and all of the critics in the House on this very important issue.

Sisters in Spirit is a program that has been applauded by Beverley Jacobs of the Native Women's Association who has recognized that Sisters in Spirit now gives a voice to the women who are victims of violence.

We have made a commitment already in budget 2008 to continue to work with the aboriginal community to address this very serious issue because it is something that all members in the House would like to see an end to.