Women’s rights not often given much thought by global leaders, let alone at G7
Women’s rights are often not given much thought by global leaders, let alone at the G7. A gathering of this kind will hopefully push our feminist prime minister to work even harder to improve the lives of the diverse women living in Canada, including Indigenous women, women of colour, and women from other marginalized communities. […]
Opposition MPs seek to add teeth to workplace harassment bill
A definition of harassment is among the changes a House committee agreed to Monday as it works its way through amending a government bill aimed at preventing and responding to sexual harassment and workplace violence, including against parliamentary employees. But opposition MPs say there’s more to do to ensure Bill C-65 has “teeth,” and isn’t […]
‘We’re not immune’ on the Hill: Sen. Bernard launches Senate debate on anti-Black racism
An Independent Senator launching a debate in the Senate on anti-Black racism nationally and on Parliament Hill says recent accusations of racism against a fellow Black Parliamentarian who called others out for denying that systemic racism exists are “disturbing.” Sen. Wanda Thomas Bernard (East Preston, N.S.) gave notice on March 1 that she would “call […]
Women and the forgotten emergency response
Fatima Abba Bukar is nine months pregnant. It is her first pregnancy since she miscarried while fleeing Boko Haram late one night more than a year ago in northern Nigeria. She’s safe now and recently learned of a nearby maternal health clinic. It’s the first time she’s ever received antenatal care, including regular check-ups, free […]
Rookie Liberal MP Bratina speaks out against controversial attestation in Canada Summer Jobs program, says caucus should be consulted more
Another Liberal MP is speaking out against the attestation requirement in the Canada Summer Jobs Program, and demanding a greater say for the Grit caucus in how the government communicates its policies to Canadians, as the governing Liberals are losing ground to the Conservatives in the national opinion polls. “Many of us would say, ‘We’d […]
Time to look at equality policies in context
OTTAWA—Oh my! Things are getting heated in the discussion around racism. Is it good to discuss racism or is it divisive to discuss it? The latest policy on combating racism is not new for the federal government. With no fanfare or announcement the Harper government vacated the issue early in its mandate. As such, some […]
It will take more than a law to change ‘archaic’ Hill culture, says Senate sponsor of anti-harassment bill
Government legislation aimed at handling and preventing sexual harassment in federally regulated workplaces and Parliament Hill won’t be enough to stop the longstanding problem, says the bill’s Senate sponsor, but it’s a step in the right direction towards a much-needed change to the Hill’s “very archaic” culture. Bill C-65 is “not going to fix everything,” […]
What Canadian media and government can learn from Black Panther movie
The fact that Black Panther has grossed over $1-billion at the box office reflects the deep yearning among racialized communities to see themselves positively portrayed in the media. “Those of us who are not white have considerably more trouble not only finding representation of ourselves in mass media and other arenas of public life, but […]
Liberal MP Caesar-Chavannes trends on Twitter with #HereforCelina, speaks out against racism
Rookie Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes began trending last Tuesday night on Twitter with hundreds using the hashtag #HereforCelina after she spoke out against systemic and anti-black racism. “So tired of being attacked as a racist b/c I question racism or speak up against it. The label that does not belong to me. I will not […]
Inaugural Women on the Hill shindig draws 500, and MPs from all parties
The inaugural Women on the Hill event, hosted by Earnscliffe Strategy Group’s Velma McColl at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building last Monday night, attracted nearly 500 guests who mingled, networked, and celebrated a belated International Women’s Day, which was on March 8. Status of Women Minister Maryam Monsef posed for photos with Environment Minister Catherine McKenna […]
