1. The under-representation of women in positions of power and at decision-making levels in Canada means that gender-equality does not exist and women’s perspectives are not consistently brought to bear on policy and practices. It is the responsibility of government to improve the status of women withing its systems and, by example, encourage similar improvements in the private sector. Women’s experiences in health, housing, pensions, divorce and family law, employment, and car-giving differ significantly from men.
2. Fifty-three women MP’s in Ottawa compared to 295 seats. Eighteen in the Ontario legislature compared to 130 seats. Three women members of the Supreme Court of Canada out of 9 positions. An examination of Canada’s many federal departments and federally appointed agencies, boards and commissions shows far less than equal representation of men and women, especially in major institutions such as the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Canada.
3. The Federal Plan for Gender Equality, created by the Canadian government in 1995 is a blueprint for actions to be taken by the government. It calls for gender analysis of staff in all departments in senior decision-making positions.
   • It further requires that there be parity for women in public institutions and that there be no gender discrimination inherent in their structures, policies, and procedures.
   • It asks that a gender analysis of the impact on women be carried out before policy decisions are taken.
   • Firms receiving government contracts will be required to have pay and employment equity policies in place.
   • There has been, as yet, no report on any progress on the implementation of the Federal Plan.
   • The Beijing Platform for Action has directions similar to the Federal Plan with addition: an action to be taken by government is a review of the electoral system to determine any differential impact on women and the provision of mentorships for inexperienced women and training in leadership and political campaigning.
4. OWN supports the initiatives contained in both the Federal Plan and the Beijing Platform for Action. In addition, OWN urges that the age analysis of federal staff and federally-appointed agencies, boards, and commissions be carried out as an essential component in the progress towards equality.

Post-Beijing Working Group, April 30 1998
Revised March 1999

Back to top