Status of Women committee  We've had a longstanding relationship with the B.C.-Yukon office since 1973. That kind of history and continuity is going to be really hard to duplicate from the office in Edmonton. They have made at least one or two trips to Yukon every year to visit every women's organization, so that has helped keep them in the touch.

Status of Women committee  Yes, we've had funding from Status of Women Canada over the years for a variety of programs. Back in the seventies, women got together. We had no public transportation system. Status of Women Canada gave funds to help create that public transportation system, which started with a group of women.

Status of Women committee  In reference to the court challenges program, we need that court challenges program, particularly in the north, because we are so marginalized. Marginalized women have no other way of gaining access to the courts. In the Yukon we have one neighbourhood law centre that will do civil challenges, but its funding is about to be cut as well.

Status of Women committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Bagnell. With the new funding guidelines, we are no longer able to access funding to work for systemic changes, to speak out for those who cannot, such as all the homeless women who I personally interviewed, and to raise issues and bring together coalitions to inform politicians about the issues and implications of policies and regulations on women's lives.

Status of Women committee  The first recommendation is to return the word “equality” to the Status of Women Canada's mandate. The second is to establish a northern Status of Women Canada office in one of the three territories. This would be a more effective and efficient use of tax dollars. It is not effective to attempt to serve a huge geographic area from one southern office that will be stretched beyond capacity.

Status of Women committee  For all of the reasons I outlined earlier in my presentation, the reality of our lives is very different. We have an enormous geographic area with very small communities. Each of the three territories serves different language groups with different cultural realities as well. It's been difficult enough to be served from the Vancouver office, but to have the whole top half of Canada served probably from two offices is mind-boggling.

Status of Women committee  Thank you. It took me only one day to get here, not three. It felt like three, though, with the time changes. First of all, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to present the views of Yukon women to your committee. It is not often that Yukon women have a chance to participate directly in national consultations.