For Immediate Release
Ottawa, ON (March 6, 2007) – The Native Women’s Assoc. of Canada is equally appalled and disappointed with the negative response shown by the federal government toward B.C./Yukon women’s groups yesterday in Vancouver.
Despite pleas urging the Harper government to reverse its decision to cut back funding for several vital programs for women, Bev Oda, Federal Minister for the Status of Women, showed a complete lack of respect and caring.
NWAC President Beverley Jacobs says, “Many of our Aboriginal women are living below the poverty line; many are homeless; many are physically and sexually violated; many are missing and many are murdered. Programs and services offered by organizations such as the B.C./Yukon women’s groups are vital because they present our women a glimmer of hope.”
The federal government appears determined to close regional Status of Women offices, while cancelling court challenges programs, eliminating the child care strategy, cutting $5 million from Status of Women Canada and imposing a no-lobbying, no-advocacy rule on women’s organizations such as NWAC.
President Jacobs says, “On Wednesday March 8th International Women’s Day, I’m encouraging all women’s organizations to stand united behind our sisters in B.C./Yukon. We must send a clear message that Canada must follow through on its International commitment to respect and implement the rights of women. Our voices must be heard. On March 8th we will be heard”
NWAC’s Mission is to help empower women by being involved in developing and changing legislation which affects them and by involving them in the development and delivery of programs promoting equal opportunity for Aboriginal women.
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For further information:
Robert J. McDonald Team Lead of Communications & Education
cell: 613-295-2719
Tel: 613.722.3033
Filed under: All News
