The CONs getting tough on...

...women

Johanne Perron (executive director of the Coalition for Pay Equity ) learned last week that the coalition's request for funding from Status of Women Canada wasn't approved. "It came as a surprise given our past history with Status of Women," Perron said. "Considering our good record with them, we thought they would support us."

She said since Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government came into power, the Status of Women Canada's mandate has been altered. "They have changed their criteria. Instead of supporting advocacy groups that work to eliminate discrimination, they focus on groups that help women develop skills," Perron said. "Funding used to be exclusively for women's groups but now it's also open to private-sector businesses. "We do feel it's important for women to develop skills, but as long as there is still discrimination, it's hard for them to really make progress."

Well, Status of Women really needs to be streamlined, Ms. Perron, you uppity chick.  Since Miss Huronia was turfed from SWC, the department has been shoved into Rona Ambrose’s shelf for embarrassing knick-knacks, hidden behind the higher profile Public Works.

Ambrose might have a few more credentials with volunteering for women's shelters in Edmonton before entering political life, but it won’t make a difference.  Might as well give the portfolio back to that dullard Oda.  Harper won’t let a Minister take the lead, or make any changes he personally hasn’t initiated, not just approved.  His demotion of Status of Women to subtext to PWGSC shows how he views women’s issues.  Damn good for photo ops, those ladies and their kids, but that’s about it.