Minister for Women and Gender Equality's appearance at the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO) (March 11, 2021)

The Deputy Minister was also present and received the binder for this parliamentary committee appearance.

Traditional land acknowledgment

I would like to acknowledge that I'm speaking today on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg.

Opening remarks

I'm grateful to be here to update you about the Main Estimates and how they will allow Women and Gender Equality Canada to better implement its mandate. I will also give an update about some of our key accomplishments in the past five years, as well as the accomplishments we've made during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The focus of Women and Gender Equality Canada's work continues to be on advancing equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity through the inclusion of people of all genders. We continue to advocate for the empowerment of women and equity-seeking groups as leaders in politics, the private sector and in all walks of civil life.

When everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute, we get decisions that best reflect the needs and experiences of people in Canada.

Women's and equity-seeking organizations play a critical role in creating a safer, stronger, fairer, and more equal Canada. Each year we have increased our support to these organizations, providing long-term funding to help them empower women and create positive change in communities across the country.

Key investments

Since November 2015, Women and Gender Equality Canada has funded over 600 women's and equality-seeking organizations across the country and invested a total of over $280 million. In 2019-20 alone, the Women's Program projects reached approximately 6 million people, reducing barriers and building skills in the areas of economic security and prosperity, gender-based violence, and leadership.

We also continue to take action on ending gender-based violence in all its forms. Since November 2015, we've supported over 220 projects working to address and prevent gender-based violence with over $80 million in funding. In 2019-20, over one million women gained access to supports, such as counselling, court services and trauma-informed services.

We support projects that focus on ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2 people and communities. As part of the Government's immediate response to the interim report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Women and Gender Equality Canada announced over $13 million in funding for over 100 projects. These initiatives support Indigenous governments, as well as the work being done by organizations with families, survivors and communities, including initiatives that help honour the lives and legacies of those missing and murdered.

This January, we reached a historic milestone when Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women endorsed the Declaration for a Canada Free of Gender-Based Violence.

We are now actively working on the development of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

In March 2020, we launched a call for proposals for the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund. As a result of this call, WAGE is now investing in building the capacity of 70 new organizations across the country whose initiatives contribute to a strong LGBTQ2 movement in Canada to advance equality for all people.

Last December, Women and Gender Equality Canada announced, jointly with Public Safety Canada, investments of $22.4 million in support of 63 organizations providing critical supports and services to victims and survivors of human trafficking to help them escape violent situations and to regain independence and control over their lives.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis Canada has ever faced and it has the potential to roll back hard-won gains in gender equality in this country. The pandemic has highlighted fundamental gaps in our society.

It has been hard for everyone, but it has been most difficult for those who were already struggling, including women. Women lost their jobs at twice the rate of men early in the pandemic. And the employment of young women still remains well below pre-pandemic levels.

That's why, from the start, Canada's pandemic response measures have been informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) with an enhanced focus on intersectionality, to ensure that our approach provides support to those who need it most.

People in Canada expect to see themselves reflected in the policies and programs implemented by the Government. Today, we design our policies and programs based on this analysis to ensure all aspects of diversity are considered and that we are delivering on our commitment to inclusiveness in our services to the public.

And I can assure you that, in the context of the pandemic, we are applying GBA+, not only to better understand differential impacts, but to shape the actions that need to be taken to reduce inequalities.

The Government has used GBA+ to ensure we are responsive to the specific needs and circumstances of all people in Canada, and will continue to do so, both in the context of the emergency response and recovery efforts.

Just last month, Women and Gender Equality Canada announced the Feminist Response and Recovery Fund Call for Proposals that will provide $100 million to support women's recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, with a particular focus on underrepresented women who have been disproportionately impacted.

This funding will go to projects that tackle systemic barriers for women who are Indigenous, racialized, or low-income, as well as those living with a disability and in a rural, remote or northern community.

Last year, the Government committed $100 million in emergency funding to over 1,000 women's shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations providing services and supports to women and children experiencing gender-based violence across Canada. Since April 2020, our funding has helped nearly 800,000 women and children.

Main estimates

And now, through the 2021-22 Main Estimates, Women and Gender Equality Canada will receive $125.5 million in total funding. This includes $75.5 million in Grants and Contributions funding to support additional investments in capacity building of women's organizations and LGBTQ2 organizations. It also includes investments in support of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.

Conclusion

I thank all of you, as Members of this Committee, for all the work you do to help improve the lives and prospects of women and girls in this country.

We will continue to move forward with optimism for our future and emerge from this crisis as a stronger, safer and more inclusive country.

Thank you.

Issue: Gendered impacts of COVID-19

Government of Canada response to COVID:

Women and Gender Equality Canada has worked with its federal partners to ensure that the Government's response is informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) so that our initiatives are designed for those who need it most.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has announced a number of initiatives to support those most impacted, including:

Moving forward, the Government has committed to creating an Action Plan for Women in the Economy to help more women get back into the workforce and to ensure a feminist, intersectional response to this pandemic and recovery.

Background

GBA+ and the COVID-19 response

Gendered impact on employment

Response measures

Gender-Based Violence

GBV response measures

Intergovernmental work on COVID-19 recovery

Issue: COVID-19 funding for women's shelters, and sexual assault centres

The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect our economy, and the health, safety, and jobs of all Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadians have been urged to stay at home during this time. However, home is not a safe place for everyone. It is not a safe place for women, or their children, who experience domestic or intimate partner violence. For them being confined at home, isolated, and in close contact with a violent partner can be a terrifying prospect.

As part of its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the federal government has allocated a total of $100 million in funding to women's shelters, sexual assault centres, women's organizations and other organizations providing supports to those experiencing GBV across the country, including $10 million to Indigenous Service Canada's network of 46 emergency shelters on reserves and in the Yukon to support Indigenous women and children experiencing violence.

The Government of Canada put in place measures to support those who need help most, which includes $90 million through WAGE for organizations serving women and children experiencing gender-based violence. Over 1,000 organizations have received emergency funding supporting over 800,000 women and children.

This funding ensures the continuity and sustainability of services provided by these organizations, supporting their efforts to adjust to the evolving needs of survivors, while facing sudden and unexpected changes to everyday operations.

For example, in a testimonial from the Alice House in Nova Scotia, the Executive Director, Heather Byrne stated the following:  "The quick receipt of funding from WAGE Canada has provided Alice House with vital resources to respond to the increased risk of violence against the women that we are trying so hard to keep safe. This emergency funding also sent us a strong message that in a time of isolation and despair, the federal government understands the current elevated pressure on domestic violence organizations and is there to help."

Background

According to a recent CBC series, women and children are turned away from shelters in Canada about 19,000 times a month. These organizations do not have reserve funds to deal with unexpected situations, such as COVID-19.

From the start, Canada's COVID-19 response measures have been informed by a feminist and intersectional analysis, to ensure that our approach provides support to those who need it most.

This includes supporting people with care responsibilities, those providing essential services, those who face job and income losses due to the pandemic, and women and children experiencing and fleeing violence.

As a result, the Government of Canada put in place measures to support those who need help most, which include $90M through Women and Gender Equality Canada for organizations serving women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

The funding is distributed as follows:

In addition, up to $5 million is supporting the mobilization of grassroots and community organizations to further coordinate and support their important work.

To date funding has been provided to over 1,000 organizations, including shelters, sexual assault centres and other organizations delivering essential frontline supports to women and children experiencing violence and abuse across the country.

Organizations receiving funding provide a range of GBV supports and services, such as emergency helplines, crisis and resource centres, counselling support, crisis intervention, drop-in services and support groups, as well as organizations supporting people who have experienced sexual exploitation.

The range of activities supported with funding includes increasing safety and emergency preparedness, and supporting the business continuity of these organizations. Funding is being used, for example, for protective equipment, child care, helping women find alternative housing, overtime of employees and additional staff coverage and capacity.

Testimonials:

Saskatoon Interval House, SK
Tanya Wiggins, Executive Director

"Every year our shelter needs to fundraise well over $100,000 to keep our doors open. We all know COVID-19 has affected our economy and this causes concern for our shelter. We have already been notified that a few of our major fundraisers have been cancelled. The federal dollars we received will help to close the gap and allow us to continue to offer our programming to families in need.

Another example is in regards to capacity. We have limited the number of families we can accommodate in shelter due to COVID-19. With the federal dollars, we are able to support families in hotels for a short period of time while we work to find affordable, safe accommodations for them.

Finally, we are now able to purchase equipment and programming to support our clients online. Doing our work differently."

Erin Griver, Director of Women's Services
Inasmuch House, ON

"This time is unprecedented for women's shelters and the violence against women sector. During the COVID crisis, staying at home is not a safe option for everyone. The requirements to stay in place as a Public Health measure unfortunately creates conditions where abusive partners exert greater control, and incidents of violence and threats are escalating. At Inasmuch House, Violence against Women Services and Shelters continue to be available to support women and their children. Crisis lines and emergency shelter services are open 24/7, and we are working hard to ensure that we can continue to offer a safe space and services to women and children. The extra funding to cover the additional costs of running a shelter during a pandemic has been life saving for these women. As a result of this funding we are able to continue to provide the same supports for women and children experiencing abuse, even during a pandemic.

Issue: Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

The COVID-19 outbreak, and the measures taken to contain its spread, have impacted people and groups differently and with varying levels of severity. Some have experienced particularly devastating impacts to their health or have been more deeply affected by the pandemic's economic and social consequences.

Throughout, the Government of Canada has focused on supporting those most at risk and on addressing the most urgent needs: Protecting Canadians' health and financial security.

GBA+ has been the tool we have used to identify the different impacts COVID-19 has had on different groups of people, and to design and implement responsive and inclusive initiatives to support Canadians, especially those who need it most.

GBA+ provides important insights to better understand the social determinants of health, such as age, gender, economic status, geographical location, race, or disability, and helps ensure that government interventions serve to build resilience, reduce inequalities and address the disproportionate impacts of this crisis.

With the outbreak, WAGE established a Task Team dedicated to applying GBA+ to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to supporting all government departments and agencies in applying GBA+ to response initiatives.

The government also followed through on commitments to gender budgeting, and transparency and accountability of GBA+ with the analysis systematically made public, most recently this past November in the fall 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update that included the GBA+ of all new measures. 

WAGE is committed to working with other Departments to strengthen the GBA+ tools and their understanding, especially the intersecting factors such as race, indigeneity, disability and sexual identity. This will help ensure that our recovery from the pandemic is reflective of the diverse experience of Canadians and that no one is left behind.

Background

GBA+ and the COVID-19 response

Training

Other GBA+ measures

Tacking stock and sustaining progress

Issue: Women's economic security

COVID specific measures:

WAGE specific investments to date:

The Department for Women and Gender Equality supports Women's Economic Security by funding organizations to build partnerships to address systemic barriers; and increase private sector leadership and investments in women.

Since November 2015, WAGE has invested $60.5M in over 80 projects to improve women's and girls' economic security and prosperity. In 2019-20, funded projects:

Created and disseminated 55 different resources to increase awareness of what services and supports were available and how to access them. As a result, over 350,000 women gained access to services and supports that resulted in better opportunities in education, employment, health, and social services;

Developed and disseminated nearly 70 different resources and implemented 347 different training workshops. As a result, nearly 400,000 people gained skills and knowledge to create more equitable conditions for women in various spheres;

Developed and disseminated 46 different resources, undertook advocacy, and leveraged 215 partnerships and collaborations in order to bring about changes to institutional processes and cultures. As a result of the changes to policies and institutions, conditions have been created for gender equality in public and private spheres.

In fall 2017, the Department for Women and Gender Equality launched two calls for proposals, representing approximately $15M, to increase the economic security of women in Canada. Of the $15M, $5M was to support Indigenous women's economic success.

Background

Responding to economic impacts of COVID-19

Employment:
Essential workers:
Response measures include:

Ongoing government initiatives

In addition to these measures, there are a number of other initiatives that support women's economic security, including:

WAGE initiatives

Issue: Senior women

Background

Data on senior women

Impacts of COVID-19

Other government initiatives

Issue: Preventing and addressing gender-based violence

Background

Canada's strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence

COVID-19 Impacts on gender-based violence

National action plan to end gender-based violence

In December 2019, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality was mandated to build on the foundation laid by It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (GBV Strategy) and move forward to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (National Action Plan), with a focus on supporting victims, survivors and their families, no matter where they live in Canada.

Other government of Canada efforts related to GBV

Issue: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Commemoration Fund

Background

Commemoration fund

National action plan re: MMIWG

Issue: GBV and rural broadband

Background

COVID-19, National Action Plan to End GBV, and Broadband

Issue: Feminist response and recovery fund

Background

Feminist response and recovery fund

Issue:Gender wage gap

COVID Specific measures:

Background

Statistics from Canada on the gender wage gap

Measures addressing the gender wage gap and COVID impacts

Issue: Women in stem and non-traditional employment

Increasing women's participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as the skilled trades, is good for the economy and for Canadians. This is true now more so than ever as we look toward economic recovery from COVID-19.

That is why the Government of Canada continues to be committed to advancing gender equality in STEM and skilled trades.

In the Speech from the Throne, the Government announced its commitment to create over one million jobs, including investing in training and skills training for those most affected by job losses. This includes funding for training and skills development, including the Women's Employment Readiness Canada pilot project.

To support more women to enter and succeed in the skilled trades, Canada has invested in several programs including the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program, Apprenticeship Incentive Grants for Women, and the Women in Construction Fund.

Budget 2019 made important investments in Let's Talk Science for their work in engaging youth through hands-on STEM learning, and promoting STEM to girls and other underrepresented groups.

Since November 2015, the Department, through the Women's Program, has approved $11.3M in support of projects to advance women's participation in non-traditional professions in which they are underrepresented, including in STEM.

As a result of this funding, approximately 100 activities like workshops, training programs and information sharing sessions were held; and 29 different resources to eliminate obstacles preventing women from advancing their careers in non-traditional occupations were created and disseminated. More than 90,000 women now have the opportunity to work in environments that are free of gender bias, culture barriers and stereotypes.

The Government will also create an Action Plan for Women in the Economy to help more women get back into the workforce and to ensure a feminist, intersectional response to the pandemic and recovery.

Background

Government of Canada initiatives: STEM and skilled trades

WAGE Specific supports:

Issue: Women in leadership and decision-making

The Government is committed to increasing the representation of women in positions of leadership and decision-making, in both the public and private sectors.

To this end, the Government now requires all federally-incorporated organizations to disclose the diversity of their senior management and board of directors. This will increase corporate transparency and advance gender equality and diversity in Canada's boardrooms.

Since its launch in 2016, the new selection process for Governor in Council (GIC) appointments, which is open, transparent, and merit-based, has shown a significant increase for women.

In Canada's business community, women, Indigenous People, racialized individuals, LGBTQ2 individuals, and people with disabilities are underrepresented in decision-making positions.

That is why in December 2020, the Government launched the 50-30 Challenge to promote diversity in corporate Canada. The Government is investing $33 million in this joint initiative with the private sector.

Since November 2015, WAGE has through its Women's Program invested over $29 million in projects to encourage the representation of women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles, including:

$18 million to fund roughly 50 projects that engage some 150 women leaders from across the country working to advance gender equality locally and as part of a pan-Canadian network.

As a result of this funding:

Background

Government of Canada efforts:

WAGE specific efforts:

Issue: Government of Canada's gender equality accomplishments 

The Government of Canada continues to build on its significant progress toward gender equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, with historic achievements and initiatives.

The Government has provided a legal backing for gender equality and made significant investments by:

As part of the Government of Canada Response to COVID-19, $100M is being disbursed in emergency funding to support women's shelters, sexual assault centres, women's organizations and other organizations providing supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence.

Over 1000 organizations have received funding, allowing nearly 800,000 women and children to benefit from the essential services and supports of these organizations.

Background

Key government achievements

Key WAGE investments

International

Issue: Mandates of Ministers responsible for - Women and Gender Equality & Diversity and inclusion and youth

The Government of Canada continues to work towards creating a more inclusive society for all Canadians, where every person has equal opportunity to succeed.

As Minister for Women and Gender Equality, I will continue to advance equality through the inclusion of women and gender diverse people in Canada's economic, social and political life, and through the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence.

My Department's mandate is reflective of the Government of Canada's commitment to support the women's movement and equality-seeking groups, with a particular focus on vulnerable women, including Indigenous women, women with disabilities, newcomer, racialized and migrant women, and members of LGBTQ2 communities

Background

Minister for Women and Gender Equality

Issue: WAGE funding

Background

Women's program: summary of funding

Equality for sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression program (LGBTQ2)

Gender-based violence program

Human Trafficking initiative

COVID-19 Emergency funding for shelters and sexual assault centres

Impact of women's program investments

Improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity
Ending violence against women and girls
Encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles

Other project examples and testimonials

LGBTQ2 Program Project Examples:
GBV Program project examples:
COVID-19 Emergency funding for shelters and sexual assault centres testimonials:

Alice House, NS - Heather Byrne, Executive Director

"The quick receipt of funding from WAGE Canada last month has provided Alice House with vital resources to respond to the increased risk of violence against the women that we are trying so hard to keep safe. This emergency funding also sent us a strong message that in a time of isolation and despair that the federal government understands the current elevated pressure on domestic violence organizations and is there to help."

Saskatoon Interval House, SK - Tanya Wiggins, Executive Director

"Every year our shelter needs to fundraise well over $100,000.00 to keep our doors open. We all know COVID-19 has affected our economy and this causes concern for our shelter. We have already been notified that a few of our major fundraisers have been cancelled. The federal dollars we received will help to close the gap and allow us to continue to offer our programming to families in need.

Another example is in regards to capacity. We have limited the number of families we can accommodate in shelter due to COVID-19. With the Federal dollars, we are able to support families in hotels for a short period of time while we work to find affordable, safe accommodations for them.

Finally, we are now able to purchase equipment and programming to support our clients online. Doing our work differently."

Inasmuch House, ON - Erin Griver, Director of Women's Services

"This time is unprecedented for women's shelters and the violence against women sector. During the COVID crisis, staying at home is not a safe option for everyone. The requirements to stay in place as a Public Health measure unfortunately creates conditions where abusive partners exert greater control, and incidents of violence and threats are escalating. At Inasmuch House, Violence against Women Services and Shelters continue to be available to support women and their children. Crisis lines and emergency shelter services are open 24/7, and we are working hard to ensure that we can continue to offer a safe space and services to women and children. The extra funding to cover the additional costs of running a shelter during a Pandemic has been life saving for these women. As a result of this funding we are able to continue to provide the same supports for women and children experiencing abuse, even during a Pandemic."

 
  At a glance overview WAGE funding summary
  Approved Amount Number of  approved projects   Number of organizations approved for funding
Overall WAGE projects $280,326,758 731 616
AlbertaFootnote * $14,137,415 47 43
British ColumbiaFootnote * $29,078,640 90 76
ManitobaFootnote * $12,160,949 40 32
New Brunswick $7,519,028 23 19
Newfoundland $7,594,399 25 22
Nova Scotia $9,836,773 24 22
Northwest TerritoriesFootnote * $4,381,611 13 10
Nunavut $2,466,015 8 7
OntarioFootnote * $132,416,921 269 212
Prince Edward Island $4,014,869 13 11
QuebecFootnote * $44,344,058 138 127
Saskatchewan $7,691,509 30 26
Yukon $4,684,571 11 9
NationalFootnote * $98,773,220 119 81

Figures related to approved projects include those approved with signed agreements since November 2015, and exclude COVID-19 funding.

Last update made on February 2, 2021

Drill down by WAGE Funding programs/Themes (as of September 30, 2020)
  Women's Program Gender-Based Violence projects *contains projects from Women's Program (WP) and Gender-Based Violence Program (GBVP) LGBTQ2 projects *contains projects from all programs (WP, GBVP and LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund) Indigenous projects *contains projects from all programs (WP, GBVP and LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund)
  Violence Amount Approved Violen-ce # of Project Leadership Amount Approved Leader-ship # of Projects Economic Amount Approved Econo-mic # of Projects Capacity Building Amount Approved Capacity Building # of Projects GBV Amount approved GBV # of Projets GBV # of orgs. LGBTQ2 Amount approved LGBTQ2 # of projects LGBTQ2 # of orgs. Indigenous Amount approved Indige-nous # of project Indige-nous # of orgs
Overall WAGE projects $37,478,884 167 $29,332,897 65 $60,587,415 87 $87,994,094 281 $89,010,390 229 210 $16,633,333 75 73 $82,535,619 214 172
Alberta $2,192,681 14 $300,000 1 $2,178,231 6 $4,737,453 18 $5,483,590 18 17 $1,438,141 4 4 $4,147,233 17 17
British Columbia $5,539,705 29 $1,801,034 7 $1,586,687 5 $10,494,423 31 $13,297,834 39 38 $2,896,791 9 9 $7,870,864 31 30
Manitoba $3,352,774 17 $0 0 $1,778,835 5 4,338,427 13 $5,352,745 19 17 $690,942 3 3 $5,131,320 20 15
New Brunswick $950,426 4 $310,000 1 $1,606,729 6 $2,474,820 7 $2,700,426 6 5 $427,053 3 3 $1,917,426 5 4
Newfoundland $819,545 7 $808,767 2 $1,647,122 5 $2,081,633 8 $2,819,545 9 8 $237,332 1 1 $3,743,444 14 12
Nova Scotia $945,000 4 $685,000 1 $1,433,118 4 $2,461,798 7 $4,659,724 9 9 $597,133 3 3 $2,863,429 6 5
Northwest Territories $478,997 4 $525,000 1 $464,982 2 $1,607,707 4 $1,478,997 5 5 $304,925 1 1 $1,818,979 6 5
Nunavut $134,300 1 $899,889 2 $0 0 $1,301,826 3 $164,300 2 2 $100,000 1 1 $1,766,015 6 5
Ontario $16,257,034 49 $17,927,491 37 $44,173,327 35 $31,977,283 101 $34,344,952 69 58 $5,193,868 29 28 $38,956,084 56 35
Prince Edward Island $200,000 2 $378,000 1 $900,143 3 $2,227,650 5 $230,000 3 3 $279,076 1 1 $1,095,393 4 3
Quebec $3,329,651 16 $5,697,716 12 $3,960,874 13 $19,693,365 71 $11,894,619 26 25 $3,582,089 18 17 $6,517,170 23 18
Saskatchewan $2,509,221 16 $0 0 $857,367 3 $2,801,284 9 $4,032,858 18 18 $548,637 1 1 $3,663,962 20 17
Yukon $769,550 4 $0 0 $0 0 $1,796,425 4 $2,550,800 6 5 $337,346 1 1 $3,044,300 6 6
NationalFootnote * $12,620,174 19 $15,661,484 29 $39,766,689 21 $17,012,856 26 $22,739,385 30 24 $3,592,806 13 12 $32,851,236 27 13

Figures related to approved projects include those approved with signed agreements since November 2015, and exclude COVID-19 funding

Figures on the WAGE overview tab do not align with figures on this tab as the overview tab is a tally of all WAGE programs, while this tab has figures from all Programs together under different themes.

  Drill down by WAGE COVID-19 Funding phase 1 (As of September 30, 2020)
  COVID-19 projects amount approvedFootnote 1 Number of COVID-19 projects Number of SAC Total Funding to SACs Number of Women's Shelters Total Funding to Women's Shelters Number of Other GBV Service Organizations Total Funding to Other GBV Service Organizations
Overall WAGE projectsFootnote *2 $40,640,307 1081 140 $3,537,500 546 $25,980,476 393 $9,691,085
Alberta $4,208,680 117 11 $275,000 54 $2,633,680 52 $1,300,000
British Columbia $7,521,229 224 9 $225,000 129 $5,146,229 86 $2,150,000
Manitoba $1,467,809 40 5 $125,000 18 $917,809 17 $425,000
New Brunswick $1,272,455 35 5 $125,000 21 $922,455 9 $225,000
Newfoundland $1,332,395 35 1 $25,000 15 $832,395 19 $475,000
Nova Scotia $1,174,449 30 6 $150,000 14 $774,449 10 $250,000
Northwest Territories $418,683 6 0 $0 6 $418,683 0 $0
Nunavut $488,008 8 1 $25,000 4 $388,008 3 $75,000
Ontario $11,217,237 311 45 $1,125,000 151 $7,217,237 115 $2,875,000
Prince Edward Island $198,002 8 1 $25,000 2 $48,002 5 $125,000
QuebecFootnote 3 $8,075,309 214 47 $1,212,500 114 $5,671,724 53 $1,191,085
Saskatchewan $1,462,449 40 8 $200,000 14 $812,449 18 $450,000
Yukon $372,356 11 1 $25,000 4 $197,356 6 $150,000
NationalFootnote 4 $1,431,246 2 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0

Figures related to approved projects include $30M in COVID-related funding for Women's Shelters and Sexual Assault Centres and $10M in Contingency Funding for GBV organizations.

Given that WAGE received a total of $40M for COVID-related funding, an additional $2.3M was provided to the Province of Quebec from the Women's Program budget.

Drill down by WAGE COVID-19 Funding phase 2 ($50M)
  COVID-19 projects amount approved Footnote 1 Number of COVID-19 projects Number of SAC Total funding to SACs Number of Other GBV Service Organizations Total Funding to other GBV service organizations Number of Women's Shelters Total Funding to Women's Shelters Number of Indigenous Women's Shelters Total Funding to Indigenous Women's Shelters Number of Grassroots Organizations (NAP) Total Funding to Grassroots Organizations (NAP) Number of Expert Working Groups (NAP) Total Funding to Expert Working Groups (NAP)
Overall WAGE projects Footnote 2 $15,929,283 471 80 $1,275,095 16 $920,702 325 $6,585,006 50 $5,250,480 0 $0 0 $0
Alberta $1,444,787 54 10 $163,585 2 $86,200 41 $995,002 1 $200,000 0 $0 0 $0
British Columbia $2,677,410 120 9 $151,520 2 $100,886 101 $1,570,002 8 $855,002 0 $0 0 $0
Manitoba $530,525 20 5 $85,325 0 $0 14 $365,000 1 $80,200 0 $0 0 $0
New Brunswick $565,325 26 5 $85,325 0 $0 21 $480,000 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Newfoundland $747,065 15 1 $17,065 0 $0 9 $150,000 5 $580,000 0 $0 0 $0
Nova Scotia $338,260 18 6 $83,260 0 $0 12 $255,000 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Northwest Territories $474,000 6 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 6 $474,000 0 $0 0 $0
Nunavut $545,000 5 1 $15,000 0 $0 0 $0 4 $530,000 0 $0 0 $0
Ontario $5,262,226 175 34 $539,560 9 $541,388 114 $2,460,002 18 $1,721,276 0 $0 0 $0
Prince Edward Island $42,065 3 1 $17,065 0 $0 2 $25,000 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Quebec Footnote 3 $0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 $0 0 $0
Saskatchewan $869,620 25 8 $117,390 3 $192,228 11 $285,000 3 $275,002 0 $0 0 $0
Yukon $535,000 4 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 4 $535,000 0 $0 0 $0
National Footnote 4 $2,039,400 2 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0

Figures related to approved projects include $45M in COVID-related funding for Women's Shelters, Indigenous Women's Shelters, Sexual Assault Centres, Women's and other GBV service organizations.

Issue: Canada's position on gender indexes

Background

Issue: Federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) forum of ministers responsible for the status of women – Ongoing and future engagement

Background

FPT Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women

FPT collaboration in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

38th annual FPT meeting of minister responsible for the Status of Women

Engagement with National Indigenous leaders and representatives

Issue: United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) – 65th Session

Background

Issue: Canada's role in the generation equality forums

Background

Issue: Recent evidence on the state of gender equality in Canada

Background

Results from the 2018 SSPPS (National data):

Results from the 2019 SISPSP (provinces only):

Issue: Gender Results Framework

Background

Issue: 2020-21 Departmental financial overview

Background

  2020-21 Funding
Main Estimates Supps A Supps B Supps C Carry-forward Total
Operating Expenditures $45.9M       $2.2 $48.1M
Grants and Contributions $79.4M $10.0M - $8.7M - $98.1M
Statutory - Grants and Contributions   $30.0M $50.0M ($8.7M) - $71.3M
Statutory - EBP & Salary and Car Allowance $4. 5M         4.5M
Total Funding $129.8M $40.0M $50.0M $0.0M $2.2M $222.0MFootnote *

In 2015-16, compared to Main Estimates, the Department's Grants and Contributions budget was $19.5M. Through a number of investments, it has increased each year, reaching $79.4M in 2020-21, excluding the COVID-19 funding. Some investments are ongoing, such as for the Gender-based Violence Program and the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, while others are time-limited, such as investments under the Women's Program and the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund.

Issue: 2021-22 Main estimates

Background

Main Estimates 2020-21 2021-22 Variance
Operating Expenditures $45.9M $45.3M ($0.6M)
Grants and Contributions $79.4M $75.5M ($3.9M)
Statutory Authorities $4.5M $4.7M $0.2M
Total $129.8M $125.5M ($4.3M)

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemoration Fund had funding that started in 2018-19 and will end 2020-21. The variance of $4.3M is mostly due to the Fund having ended in 2020-21.

WAGE's budget since 2015-16
Text version
WAGE's budget since 2015-16 (in millions of dollars)
  2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16
Operating 45.3 45.9 47.4 41.6 22.1 14.2 10.4
Grants & Contributions 75.5 79.4 65.8 29.3 20.8 20.6 19.5
Grants & Contributions - COVID-19 0 18.7 0 0 0 0 0
Statutory 4.7 4.5 4.5 2.8 1.7 1.5 1.3
Statutory - COVID-19 0 71.3 0 0 0 0 0
Total Budgetary 125.5 219.8 117.7 73.7 44.7 36.3 31.2
Variance Operating % -1% -3% 14% 88% 55% 38%  
Variance G&C % -5% 21% 125% 41% 1% 6%  
Variance Statutory % 4% 0% 59% 62% 20% 15%  
Variance Total % (w/o COVID-19) -3% 10% 60% 65% 23% 17%  

Issue: 2020-21 Supplementary estimates (c)

Background

Issue: 2021-22 Departmental plan

Background

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO)

Group of women

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women's mandate gives it the broad authority to study the policies, programs, expenditures (budgetary estimates) and legislation of departments and agencies, including the Department for Women and Gender Equality, that conduct work related to the status of women and gender equality.

In the 42nd Parliament, for instance, the committee tabled substantive reports on several themes, including:

In the 43rd Parliament, the committee has studied the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women. Members are drafting the report and will table it in the coming weeks. The committee is also studying the Challenges Faced by Women Living in Rural Communities, Pay Equity and Women's Unpaid Work.

During their first meeting of the second session of the 43rd parliament, members agreed that witnesses who appear before the committee would have five minutes to make opening statements. Whenever possible, these opening statements should be submitted to the committee seventy-two hours in advance. This is followed by a question and answer period. Questions will proceed in the following order:

Round 1 - 6 minutes each, CPC, LPC, BQ, NDP
Round 2 - 5 minutes each, CPC, LPC, then 2.5 minutes each, BQ, NDP, and subsequently another 5 minutes each CPC, LPC

The committee also elected Ms. Marilyn Gladu (CPC) as Chair, Ms. Sonia Sidhu (LPC) as Vice Chair and Ms. Andréanne Larouche (BQ) as Second Vice Chair.

FEWO members

Liberal Party of Canada:

Salma Zahid: returning member (Liberal)

Photo - Salma Zahid: returning member (Liberal)

Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, Salma Zahid was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. 

She holds a Masters in Educational Management and Administration from the University of London's Institute of Education, and an MBA from Quaid e Azam University in Pakistan. A Pakistani Canadian, Ms. Zahid has resided in Scarborough since 2000 and has worked to bring people of different communities together through initiatives such as the Scarborough Centre Multi-faith Council. Prior to being elected to Parliament, Ms. Zahid worked as a senior advisor to the Government of Ontario in a number of portfolios from Health and Long Term Care, Infrastructure, Citizenship and Immigration, and Tourism, Culture and Sports. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Since entering Parliament, Ms. Zahid has worked to raise awareness of the oppression of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar and other oppressed persons around the world, and pressed the government to take a leadership role in providing humanitarian assistance. In the 42nd Parliament, she was a member of the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship. Through that committee, interventions in the House, and on her social media platforms, she continues to advocate for cultural and religious diversity. Ms. Zahid was elected chair of that committee in the 43rd parliament. Her private member's motion M-155, designating June as Filipino Heritage Month across Canada, was unanimously passed by the House of Commons. Following treatment for Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that brought her closer to her Islamic faith, she became the first Member to wear a hijab in the House of Commons.

Ms. Zahid served as the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women during the 42nd Parliament. She is a strong advocate for gender equality and focuses specifically on racialized and newcomer women. She has stated that the response to COVID-19 must be intersectional, as the pandemic does not affect all Canadians equally.

Anju Dhillon: returning member (Liberal)

Photo - Anju Dhillon: returning member (Liberal)

First elected in 2015, Anju Dhillon was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for the Quebec riding Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle in 2019.

Born and raised in Montreal, Ms. Dhillon began her political career volunteering for Paul Martin's campaigns at age thirteen. She sat on the Executive Council of the LaSalle-Emard Federal Liberal Electoral District Association in various positions such as Youth Vice-President, Vice-President Female, Secretary, and Policy Officer. Before joining the House of Commons,  Ms. Dhillon earned an Honours Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Law from Université de Montréal, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws Degrees from Université de Sherbrooke. She was the first Canadian Sikh to practise law in Quebec.

From 2015 to 2017, Ms. Dhillon was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Status of Women. She has taken a strong stance against gender-based violence and intimate partner violence. She also studied Gender Parity on the Boards and Senior Leadership Levels of Canadian Artistic and Cultural Organizations with the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. At these meetings, she stressed the need for intersectionality and consideration of marginalized women.

In the House of Commons, Ms. Dhillon was a member of several Standing Committees, including Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, Scrutiny of Regulations, and Canadian Heritage. She also belonged to the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, the Canada-United Kingdom Inter‑Parliamentary Association and the Canada-China Legislative Association. In these roles, in the House of Commons, and through her social media presence, she has spoken several times on sustainable communities and affordable housing. Since the 2019 election, she has become a member of the Status of Women Committee and the Citizenship and Immigration Committee; she remains a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association.

Marc Serré: returning member (Liberal)

Photo - Marc Serré: returning member (Liberal)

Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Ontario, Marc G. Serré was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019.

Son of former Liberal Member of Parliament Gaetan Serré and nephew of former Liberal Member of Parliament Ben Serré, Marc Serré was born into a family tradition of politics. He is a proud member of the Algonquin First Nation in Mattawa/North Bay and a proud francophone. Before joining the House of Commons, Mr. Serré graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor in Commerce with a specialization in Human Resources and Marketing. He is an award-winning telecom technologist specializing in research and development who founded the family-run Internet provider PhoneNet and received the Canadian CANARIE IWAY Award in recognition of his innovative and outstanding achievements in Internet adaptive technology. He was also the Northern Eastern Ontario Regional Director of the Canadian Hearing Society, a staff and faculty member at Collège Boréal and Cambrian College, and the North Eastern Ontario Managing Director at Eastlink. Mr. Serré served as a trustee at the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) and was also a Municipal Counsellor in West Nipissing.

In Parliament, he has been involved in several Standing Committees, Caucus and Parliamentary Associations including: the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Chair of the National Rural Liberal Caucus, and Chair of Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus. Mr. Serré has demonstrated his advocacy for increased rural infrastructure, affordable housing, accessibility, and seniors in and outside the House of Commons. His motion M-106, calling on the federal government to develop Canada's first National Senior Strategy, was successfully passed in the House of Commons in May 2017.

Mr. Serré was a member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women during the 42nd parliament. Corresponding to his previous career and the riding he represents, Mr. Serré has expressed interest in women in STEM, Indigenous women, senior women, and rural women.

Sonia Sidhu: Vice-Chair and returning member (Liberal)

Photo - Sonia Sidhu: Vice-Chair and returning member (Liberal)

Satinderpal "Sonia" Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019.

Born in India, Ms. Sidhu immigrated to Winnipeg in 1992, where she worked as a small business owner, entrepreneur, and Cardiac Technologist in Victoria Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a certificate in Diabetes Education from The Michener Institute. Ms. Sidhu worked in the healthcare profession in Brampton South for fifteen years, focusing on diabetes research and education.

Since entering the House in 2015, Ms. Sidhu has strongly advocated for healthcare. She was a member of the Standing Committee on Health and advised on eighteen different reports, including the report recommending the implementation of a national pharmacare plan and the report on drinking water standards. Her report "Defeating Diabetes," for which she crossed the country to consult with experts, was presented to the Minister of Health in 2019. Ms. Sidhu also frequently speaks about the issues faced by seniors and has worked to improve the infrastructure and employment rates in her riding.

In the 42nd parliament, Ms. Sidhu sat on the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. She was also a member of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. In Committee meetings, in the House of Commons, and through her social media, Ms. Sidhu has expressed particular interest in senior women, women in politics, pay equity, and women's health. She has highlighted the need for intersectionality when discussing women's issues and empowerment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Sidhu has continued to focus on health, including long-term care homes and healthcare accessibility. She has also spoken about investments in organizations that support the homeless, specifically women fleeing domestic violence who are now being housed in hotels.

Gudie Hutchings: Parliamentary Secretary (non-voting member)

Photo - Gudie Hutchings: Parliamentary Secretary (non-voting member)

Gudrid "Gudie" Hutchings was elected as the Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. She is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development.

The daughter of Arthur Lundrigan, a Canadian businessman and political adviser, Ms. Hutchings was raised in the Humber Valley. She attended Acadia University and built her career as a small-business owner in the tourism industry. She spent more than ten years on the board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association – rising to the position of president, and served on the inaugural national board of the Canadian Federation of Outfitting Associations. She is also a former president of the Corner Brook Chamber of Commerce.

Since joining the House of Commons, Ms. Hutchings has prioritized the needs of her constituents. She is proud to hail from the Atlantic Provinces and frequently speaks about issues that affect Eastern Canada. She has advocated for investments in the fishing industry, rural infrastructure projects, and highlighted the national parks and historic sites in her riding. Ms. Hutchings was also the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Businesses and Tourism from 2015 to 2017. She utilized her experience as a business owner to highlight the work that has been done to lower taxes, invest in, and promote small businesses.

In the previous parliament, Ms. Hutchings spoke several times on the subject of women and gender equality. The two issues she highlights most frequently are women entrepreneurs and Indigenous women. She often promotes the work of women's organizations in her riding and frequently meets with Indigenous organizations and leaders in Atlantic Canada. As Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Hutchings brings a rural perspective. She has stressed the importance of preventing violence against women, especially through connecting rural areas.

Conservative Party of Canada:

Marilyn Gladu: Chair and returning member (Conservative)

Photo - Marilyn Gladu: Chair and returning member (Conservative)

Prior to her 2015 election as the Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, Marilyn Gladu was a professional engineer who worked in a variety of roles locally, nationally and globally.

Following a 21-year career with Dow Chemical, Ms. Gladu served as Engineering Manager and subsequently the Director of Engineering at Suncor before taking a consulting and business development role at Worley Parsons. During her career, Ms. Gladu was the chair for the Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers locally, and the National Director of Science and Industrial Policy for the same organization. She has been on the Dean's Advisory Council for the Faculty of Engineering at Queen's University, as well as the Bluewater Sustainability Initiative, and the Bluewater Technology Access Centre Advisory Council providing guidance on government funding for research. She was recently named as a prestigious "Fellow" by the Canadian Academy of Engineers.

Since her election in 2015, Ms. Gladu has become an active parliamentarian, known for her collegiality and work across party lines. This earned her the 2016 Maclean's award for most collegial MP. In the same year, she sponsored a private member's bill (C-277), "An Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care in Canada" which became law in December 2017. She served as the Opposition Critic for Health and has sat on several committees, including the Standing Committee on Health, the Special Committee on Pay Equity and the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. Reoccurring themes in Ms. Gladu's remarks in the House and Committee include: mental health, the carbon tax, and diabetes.

In the 2020 Conservative leadership race, Ms. Gladu declared her intention to run for leader, but ultimately dropped out. Following the election of Erin O'Toole as Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Gladu was named the critic to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Privy Council Critic. She was also recently elected as the Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

Jag Sahota: Conservative critic and returning member

Jag Sahota: Conservative critic and returning member

Conservative Member of Parliament Jagdeep Sahota was elected to represent the riding of Calgary Skyview in the 2019 federal election. She previously ran in the 2015 Alberta provincial election for the riding of Calgary-McCall, losing to New Democrat Irfan Sabir.

Born and raised in a Sikh family in Calgary, Alberta, Ms. Sahota attended Lester B. Pearson High School and is described as "a longstanding pillar of the Calgary community." In 2003 she graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and psychology, then completed her Juris Doctor, again at the University of Calgary, in 2007. Since being called to the Alberta Bar in 2008, she has gained extensive legal experience, especially in immigration law, while operating her own law practice in Calgary's north-east area.

Ms. Sahota has also been actively involved in many different organizations in the Calgary community such as Calgary Peter Lougheed Hospital and Renfrew Educational Services, focusing specifically on bridging the gap between younger and older generations. She has also volunteered at organizations supporting women, such as the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association, and the Elizabeth Fry Society.

First named Deputy Critic for Women and Gender Equality, she was subsequently promoted to primary Critic following the election of Mr. O'Toole as Leader of the Opposition. In the House, Ms. Sahota speaks frequently about women's economic participation and violence against women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has also advocated for pregnant women who are experiencing difficulty with EI or CERB benefits and for the use of GBA+ analysis on all government programs.

Nelly Shin: returning member (Conservative)

Nelly Shin: new member (Conservative)

Elected in 2019 as the Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam, Nelly Shin is the first Korean-Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons.

Ms. Shin and her family immigrated to Canada in the late 1970s to escape political tension. Her family then opened a floral store, which they have developed into an award-winning floral design studio. Following the completion of a B. Mus and B. Ed., Ms. Shin worked as an English and Music teacher. She went on to serve the school board for seven years. Ms. Shin is also a professionally trained classical pianist, singer, composer, and conductor.

As a result of her upbringing and work, she developed an aspiration for social innovation. This led her to participate in literacy improvement initiatives, mentoring new teachers, and music education.

Following her election to the House of Commons, Ms. Shin has continued her social advocacy. She frequently mentions issues such as: mental health care, protections for ethnic media, and domestic violence. She is a member of several Parliamentary Associations. Ms. Shin was also a member of the Canadian Heritage Committee during the first session of the 43rd parliament. Currently, she is a member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

Alice Wong: returning member (Conservative)

Photo - Alice Wong: returning member (Conservative)

Previous Opposition Critic for Seniors, and previous Minister of State for Seniors, The Honourable Alice Wong has served as the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Richmond-Centre since 2008.

After immigrating to Canada from Hong Kong in 1980, Mrs. Wong taught English as a Second Language and Entrepreneurship at Vancouver Community College. She also started the Centre for Small Business at Vancouver Community College, which offered the first bilingual small business management classes for immigrants. Mrs. Wong then completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of British Columbia in 1993 and joined Kwantlen Polytechnic University, becoming the Manager of International Programs. She has also aided her husband in running his family business and operated a consulting firm specializing in research and education.

In Parliament, Alice Wong has been a member of several Standing Committees and Interparliamentary Groups, this includes: the Library of Parliament Committee, the Citizenship and Immigration Committee, the Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee and the Canada-China Legislative Association. Her priorities in and outside the House of Commons have included elder abuse, fraud against seniors, illegal border crossers, and birth tourism.

Mrs. Wong sat on the Standing Committee on the Status of Women during the 40th parliament. During this time, the Committee studied Maternal and Child Health, Increasing the Participation of Women in Non-Traditional Occupations, and Violence against Aboriginal Women. Mrs. Wong also frequently speaks about immigrant women and women who are small-business owners in the House of Commons.

New Democratic Party:

Lindsay Mathyssen: NDP critic and returning member

Photo - Lindsay Mathyssen: NDP critic and returning member

Lindsay Mathyssen, Member of Parliament for London-Fanshawe, Ontario, was elected in the 2019 federal election and subsequently named NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality.

As the daughter of former NDP Member of Parliament Irene Mathyssen, who held the same seat in parliament from 2006 to 2019, Lindsay Mathyssen has been involved in politics since the 1990 federal election. She has worked as a political staffer since 2007, most recently for former MP Tracey Ramsey. She therefore has experience drafting legislation, navigating federal programs and departments, and working on files such as International Human Rights, Seniors Issues, Indigenous Affairs, and Anti-harassment protocol. Ms. Mathyssen also holds a Bachelor's Degree and Professional Certificate in Non-For-Profit Management. As a union leader, she has helped to negotiate a collective agreement and has been involved in conflict management.

Following her election, Ms. Mathyssen was given the profiles of Critic for Women and Gender Equality, Deputy Whip, Critic for Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Deputy Critic for Export Promotion and International Trade, and Small Business. Ms. Mathyssen has aligned her speeches with New Democratic priorities of pharmacare, affordable cell phone and Internet fees, and stronger public services. She also frequently speaks about increasing help for students and affordable housing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Mathyssen has stressed the importance of consistent and reliable funding for women's organizations instead of project-based funding. She has also asked questions and made statements on: affordable childcare, paid domestic violence leave, pay inequality and safety for front line female-dominated occupations, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and support for rural women and women with disabilities.

Bloc Quebecois:

Andréanne Larouche: Vice-Chair, BQ critic, and returning member

Photo - Andréanne Larouche: Vice-Chair, BQ critic, and returning member

Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament for the riding of Shefford, Andréanne Larouche, was elected in the 2019 federal election.

Ms. Larouche studied art and media technology at Cégep de Jonquière and has always been engaged locally, sitting on the board of directors for the Ecosphere Group and the Sutton Museum of Communications and History. While this is her first time in the House of Commons, Ms. Larouche holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Sherbrooke in applied politics, and worked for the former Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Christian Ouellet and Member of Quebec's National Assembly, Marie Bouillé. She was also a project manager for Alternative Justice and Mediation, raising awareness on elder abuse.

Ms. Larouche was appointed as the Bloc Québécois Critic for Women and Gender Equality and Critic for Seniors. Ms. Larouche's first speech in the House of Commons was on the topic of the anti-feminist attack at École Polytechnique, advocating for stricter gun control to protect women against such violence.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Larouche has focused on senior women, women in essential services, and the ability for women to access help. Like other members of the Bloc Québécois, she has advocated for increased health and social transfers to Quebec as she believes many of these issues are best resolved by the province. She has also advocated for an increase to GIS/OAS for seniors under seventy-five.

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