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Minister for Women and Gender Equality's appearance at the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (July 7, 2020)

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

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Opening remarks

Madam Chair,

Thank you for inviting me to join you today.

First, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin people.

I am here with you today to discuss the recent work undertaken by Women and Gender Equality Canada or WAGE.

Since March, the Government of Canada had to take strong actions to protect our economy, as well as the health, safety, and jobs of Canadians. Since the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Government of Canada did what it had to do to support our country's most vulnerable people.

Impacts of COVID-19

As a virus, COVID-19 does not discriminate who it infects, and yet, its impacts are felt differently and more severely by different groups. These groups happen to be Canada's most vulnerable and so the virus has magnified inequalities experienced long before it took hold in Canada.

The economic, health, and social impacts of COVID-19 are being felt most severely among women in Canada, and in particular, racialized, newcomer, and immigrant women, women with disabilities, women living in poverty, single women, and women who are experiencing gender-based violence.

Madam Chair, because of the disproportionate economic effects COVID-19 is having on women, economists are calling this a "she-cession". According to Statistics Canada, in March 2020, women made up the majority (63%) of all employment losses, experiencing job losses at twice the rate of men. Women are over-represented in workplaces hard hit by COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic. We're talking about accommodation, food services, and educational services, just to name a few. And these are women that were doing important work, essential work, for low wages. They are too often racialized women and newcomers to Canada.

Employment began to rise in May 2020 as we eased public health restrictions, but women didn't benefit to the same extent as men. Employment increased more than twice as fast among men (2.4% or 206,100 jobs among men versus 1.1% or 83,600 jobs among women).

Women have taken on even more unpaid care responsibilities for their children and sick or elderly relatives. They are the majority of those working on the frontlines of the crisis: personal support workers, childcare workers, food sector workers, nurses and other health and social care workers.

Furthermore, COVID-19 created a shadow pandemic by exacerbating the issue of gender-based violence.

Many of our partners on the frontlines told us that the rates and severity of the violence have increased. Gender-based violence is not caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but our partners also told us that, as a result of the isolation measures, many women were and may still be unable to seek help or are unaware that help is available. Places women might normally turn to may be closed or less accessible; places such as extended family, faith-based organisations, and community centres. Isolation has created a terrifying situation for some people living with abuse.

Women's shelters and sexual assault centres across the country needed support to be able to continue to assist those in need and to be able to have measures in place to prevent or manage a potential outbreak.

COVID-19 Response

Therefore, as part of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government of Canada announced up to $40 million to be delivered through WAGE for women and children fleeing gender-based violence.

To ensure that this funding is distributed to the right organizations as quickly and effectively as possible, WAGE has worked closely with provincial and territorial counterparts and stakeholders across the country since the onset of the pandemic. They too recognize the urgency to support these women and children in all the regions of the country. Together, they identified priorities for this funding to support organizations providing critical services and supports to women experiencing violence during the pandemic.

And I'm pleased to say that to date, $30 million of this funding has addressed the immediate needs of nearly 700 women's shelters and sexual assault centres from coast to coast to coast.

And now, through the 2020‑21 Supplementary Estimates (A), WAGE will receive $10 million in Grants and Contributions funding. This represents the remainder of the previously announced $40 million funding. It is anticipated that approximately 350 additional organizations will benefit from this funding, which brings the total support to over 1,000 shelters, sexual assault centres and other organizations working in the gender-based violence sector.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

Creating good policies requires us to consider who is impacted, how they are impacted, and how our response measures can be tailored to different groups of people. That's why we apply a gender and intersectional analysis, GBA+, to all we do.

Canadians expect to see themselves in the policies and programs the Government of Canada implements. Doing this analysis early on in the process as we design our policies and programs ensures that all aspects of diversity are considered and that we are delivering on the Government of Canada's commitment to inclusiveness and to service to the public.

And I can assure you that, in the context of COVID-19, the Government is 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.

Closing

Madam Chair, in the weeks and months ahead, the Government of Canada will continue to build on its efforts to alleviate the difficulties experienced by vulnerable people during this pandemic.

I hope to continue our excellent collaboration and to carry on benefiting from your recommendations to build on all the work accomplished so far to help Canadians get through these unprecedented times.

Thank you.

Issue: Gendered impacts of COVID-19

Recommended response

Gendered Impacts:

Government of Canada Response to COVID:

Background

Gendered impact on employment

Response Measures

Gender-based violence

GBV response measures

Other gendered impacts

Indigenous women, recent immigrant women, female lone parents, senior women, and LGBTQ2 people are disproportionately impacted by poverty and face core housing needs. Mental health, especially of more vulnerable communities, is of concern during a time of physical distancing and isolation.

Response measures

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

Recommended response

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.

On March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a COVID-19 Economic Response Plan which includes an investment of up to $50 million to women's shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities. Below is the breakdown of the $50 million:

On April 4, 2020, the Prime Minister reconfirmed the $40 million investment to WAGE and provided details on how the $30 million would be implemented:

In addition, up to $10 million has been provided to Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) existing network of 46 emergency shelters on reserve and in Yukon to support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence.

The operational funding is being delivered through ISC's Family Violence Prevention Program. The amount for each shelter has been determined based on factors such as on-reserve population, remoteness, and number of beds.

On May 29, 2020, an amendment was signed with the Canadian Women's Foundation for $10 million in contingency funding. This funding is being provided to organizations, beyond shelters and sexual assault centres, providing critical supports and services to women and children fleeing violence. As of June 26, 2020, 42% (150) organizations had registered and 30% (109) had received payment under the contingency fund. WAGE has negotiated an additional $2.3 million with the Government of Quebec, pending approval from the Province of Quebec.

Testimonials:

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."

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+)

Recommended response

Background

GBA+ and the COVID-19 Response

Throughout the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WAGE has worked with partners across government departments to ensure that GBA+ has been considered in respect of the response measures. Actions to date have included:

Training

Other GBA+ measures

Issue: Women's economic security

Recommended response

COVID specific measures:

Government of Canada measures to date:

WAGE specific investments to date:

Background

Responding to economic impacts of COVID-19

Unemployment:

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:

Issue: Senior women

Recommended response

Background

Data on senior women

Government initiatives

Impacts of COVID-19

Issue: Preventing and addressing gender-based violence

Recommended response

Background

Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence

National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Issue: Human trafficking

Recommended response

Background

Issue: Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and MMIWG Commemoration Fund

Recommended response

Background

Commemoration Fund

National Action Plan re: MMIWG

Issue: GBV and rural broadband

Recommended response

Background

COVID-19, GBV and broadband

Issue: Gender wage gap

Recommended response

Background

Statistics from Canada on the gender wage gap

Issue: Women in politics

Recommended response

Background

Budget 2019 initiatives

Budget 2018 initiatives

Complementary initiatives

Issue: Women in STEM and non-traditional employment

Recommended response

Background

Government of Canada initiatives: STEM and skilled trades

WAGE specific supports:

Issue: Bill S-209

Recommended response

Background

Private Members Bill S-209

Women and Gender Equality Act

Issue: Government of Canada's gender equality accomplishments

Recommended response

Background

Key government achievements

Key WAGE investments

International

Issue: LGBTQ2 accomplishments

Recommended response

Background

WAGE

LGBTQ2 Secretariat

Other government accomplishments

Issue: Women in leadership and decision-making

Recommended response

Background

Government of Canada efforts:

WAGE specific efforts:

Issue: Mandate of Minister responsible for women and gender equality

Recommended response

Background

Minister for Women and Gender Equality

Issue: WAGE funding

Recommended response

Background

Women's Program: Summary of funding

Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program (LGBTQ2+)

Gender-Based Violence Program

COVID-19 emergency funding for shelters and sexual assault centres

Project examples and testimonials

Women's Program project examples:

Atlantic region

Quebec region

Ontario region

Western region

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."

Province Program Number of agreements Total amount of funding % of total funding
Alberta All programs 44 $12,588,384 5%
Women's Program 40 $9,408,365 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 4 $3,180,019 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
British Columbia All programs 84 $26,649,978 10%
Women's Program 73 $19,421,706 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 9 $6,828,129 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 2 $400,000 N/A
Manitoba All programs 37 $12,020,007 5%
Women's Program 34 $9,320,036 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 2 $1,999,971 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 1 $700,000 N/A
New Brunswick All programs 24 $7,091,975 3%
Women's Program 22 $5,341,975 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 2 $1,750,000 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Newfoundland and Labrador All programs 24 $7,357,067 3%
Women's Program 22 $5,357,067 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 2 $2,000,000 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Nova Scotia All programs 23 $8,520,824 3%
Women's Program 20 $5,524,916 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 3 $2,995,908 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Northwest Territories All programs 12 $4,076,686 2%
Women's Program 11 $3,076,686 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 1 $1,000,000 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Nunavut All programs 6 $2,336,015 1%
Women's Program 6 $2,336,015 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 0 $0 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Ontario* All programs 244 $119,763,446 46%
Women's Program 221 $103,568,924 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 20 $15,494,654 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 3 $699,868 N/A
Prince Edward Island All programs 14 $3,735,793 1%
Women's Program 13 $3,705,793 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 1 $30,000 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Quebec All programs 137 $40,723,603 16%
Women's Program 125 $32,430,355 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 11 $8,043,285 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 1 $249,963 N/A
Saskatchewan All programs 30 $7,691,509 3%
Women's Program 28 $6,167,872 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 2 $1,523,637 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Yukon All programs 10 $4,190,975 2%
Women's Program 8 $2,565,975 N/A
Gender-Based Violence Program 2 $1,625,000 N/A
Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Program 0 $0 N/A
Total N/A 689 $256,746,262 N/A

*Note: Funding distribution in the table is based on the location of the funded organization and does not necessarily reflect the location of the project activities. Most national organizations are located in Ontario, however, national projects have activities in locations across Canada.

Issue: Canada's position on gender indexes

Recommended response

Background

Issue: Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) forum of Ministers responsible for the status of women ongoing and future engagement

Recommended response

Background

FPT Forum of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women

FPT collaboration in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

FPT Forum strategic plan 2020-2024

FPT ministerial meetings in 2020

Issue: United Nations Commission of the Status of Women (UNCSW) 64th session

Recommended response

Background

Issue: Evidence on the state of gender equality in Canada

Recommended response

Background

Issue: Gender Results Framework

Recommended response

Background

Issue: 2020-21 Department budget overview

Recommended response

Background

Budget categories 2020-21 funding
Main Estimates Supps A Total
Operating expenditures $45.9 million 0 $45.9 million
Grants and contributions $79.4 million $10.0 million $89.4 million
Statutory: Grants and contributions 0 $30.0 million $30.0 million
Statutory: EBP, salary and car allowance $4.5 million 0 4.5 million
Total Funding $129.8 million $40.0 million $169.8 million*

*Total amounts have been rounded.

Issue: 2020-21 Supplementary estimates (A)

Recommended response

Background

Main estimates 2015-16 to 2019-20

WAGE's budget since 2015-16 (in millions of dollars)
Budget categories 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16
Operating 45.9 47.4 41.6 22.1 14.2 10.4
Grants & Contributions 89.4 65.8 29.3 20.8 20.6 19.5
Statutory 34.5 4.5 2.8 1.7 1.5 1.3
Total budgetary 169.8 117.7 73.7 44.7 36.3 31.2
Variance Operating % -3% 14% 88% 55% 38% n/a
Variance G&C % 36% 125% 41% 1% 6% n/a
Variance Statutory % 667% 59% 62% 20% 15% n/a
Variance Total % 44% 60% 65% 23% 17% n/a

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 the following themes:

Two pieces of legislation were also referred to the committee in the 42nd Parliament: Bill C-309, An Act to Establish Gender Equality Week; and Bill C-337, An Act to Amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code (Sexual Assault). As well, each fiscal year, the committee examined the main estimates and the supplementary estimates of Status of Women Canada/ The Department for Women and Gender Equality.

During their first meeting of the 43rd parliament, members agreed that witnesses who appear before the committee would have ten minutes to make opening statements, followed by a question and answer period. Questions will proceed in the following order:

Round 1: 6 minutes each, Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), Liberal Party of Canada (LPC), Bloc Quebecois (BQ), New Democratic Party (NDP)

Round 2: 5 minutes each, CPC, LPC, CPC, LPC, then 2.5 minutes each, BQ, NDP

The committee also elected Ms. Karen Vecchio (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 members 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.

Anju Dhillon: new member (Liberal)

Photo - Anju Dhillon: new 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 practice law in Quebec.

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 the 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.

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.

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-wining 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 College Boreal 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 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 pharamacare 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.

Conservative Party of Canada

Karen Vecchio: Chair, Conservative critic, and returning member

Photo - Karen Vecchio: Chair, Conservative critic, and returning member

Conservative Member of Parliament and Opposition Critic for Women and Gender Equality, Karen Vecchio, was elected to represent the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London in the 2015 federal election. She was re-elected in 2019 with fifty percent of the vote.

Raised in Sparta, Ontario, Ms. Vecchio attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated from the dental health program at Georgian College. Before being elected to the House of Commons, she worked for Member of Parliament Joe Preston from 2004 to 2015. Prior to this, she owned and operated the café 'Coffee Grind' in London, Ontario. Ms. Vecchio is involved within her community as a volunteer and a leader working with the Talbot Teen Centre, Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, and Rogers Community TV.

In the previous parliament, Ms. Vecchio served as the Opposition Critic for Families, Children, and Social Development, as well as Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. She stood in the election to serve as the Chair of FEWO reluctantly, preferring her colleague Rachel Harder. Liberal and New Democratic Members did not allow Ms. Harder to take on the role of Chair because of her pro-life beliefs. Ms. Vecchio has previously stated that she is pro-choice and aims to focus on "ensuring the government is doing everything it can in the fight against the disgusting practice of human trafficking, as well as maximizing opportunities and support for women who are survivors of violence and abuse" in her new role. She has made many statements against the porn industry and equating sex work to human trafficking. Ms. Vecchio has also confirmed she believes being gay is not a choice.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Vecchio has made several statements related to Women and Gender Equality in committee. Frequently she has questioned where funding such as the $75 million for human trafficking has gone, since some organizations, specifically the London Abused Women's Centre, have not received funding. She has also expressed her concerns about increased rates of domestic violence, women losing their jobs and returning to work, and GBA+ analysis on COVID-19 initiatives.

Jag Sahota: Conservative Deputy critic and new member

Jag Sahota: Conservative Deputy critic and new member

Conservative Member of Parliament Jagdeep Sahota was elected to represent the riding of Calgary Skyview in the 2019 federal election with 52% of the vote. 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.

As a new member of parliament, her record on issues relating to Women and Gender Equality is not extensive. However, her first time rising in the House of Commons was to question and oppose the Prime Minister on his comments describing the negative gendered impacts of male construction workers in rural areas, in light of the high unemployment rate for young men in Alberta. 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.

Raquel Dancho: new member (Conservative)

Photo - Raquel Dancho: new member (Conservative)

Raquel Dancho is the newly-elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Kildonan-St. Paul, Manitoba.

Born into a family with a long history of farming and small business, Ms. Dancho was raised in Beausejour, Manitoba and attended a French-bilingual high school. She was the first of her family to attend university. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at McGill, she earned a competitive research internship at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg. She then began her career within the Manitoba Government; Ms. Dancho worked for several years with the Progressive Conservative Party, while they were the Opposition and Government. She held several positions including Policy Analyst, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Development, Special Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, and Candidate in the 2016 Manitoba provincial election. Prior to the election, she ran her own consulting business that provides policy research and web development services to the private sector. As a result of her academic and political career, Ms. Dancho gained first-hand knowledge of the mechanics of government and uses her professional media training and public speaking experience to target millennial voters specifically.

In the 43rd parliament, Ms. Dancho was named Opposition Critic to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth. Her first speech in the House of Commons outlined her priorities as: "the inclusion of ethnically and racially diverse Canadians, freedom and equality of LGBTQ Canadians and a free, prosperous and healthy future for Canada's youth." Her social media confirms this stance, as Ms. Dancho posts frequently about LGBTQ+ initiatives, indigenous issues, and the problems experienced by Canadian youth. She also regularly posts expressing her alliance with other Conservative women candidates and Members of Parliament.

Ms. Dancho's priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic have been: support for workers in women-dominated care occupations, cuts in funding to organizations that combat human trafficking, women's unemployment, maternity benefits during the pandemic, and opening another WAGE office in Manitoba. 

Alice Wong: returning member (Conservative)

Photo - Alice Wong: returning member (Conservative)

Current 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 new member

Photo - Lindsay Mathyssen: NDP critic and new 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. Following her mother's legacy, Ms. Mathyssen has stressed New Democratic priorities of pharmacare, affordable cell phone and internet fees, and stronger public services. She also plans to focus on the housing crisis experienced by individuals in her riding during her time in the House of Commons.

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 new member

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

Bloc Quebecois 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 Jonquiére 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 Quebecois Critic for Women and Gender Equality and Critic for Seniors. Despite her lack of experience as a Member of Parliament, she has identified several priorities for her time in the House, including affordable housing, seniors, and healthcare. Ms. Larouche's maiden 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 Quebecois, she has advocated for increased health and social transfers to Quebec as she believes many of these issues are best resolved by the province.

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