The elimination of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality is a major step backward for gender equity in Canada. This position has been essential in ensuring women’s rights are represented at the highest levels of decision-making for over 50 years. With an election approaching, now is the time to act—decision-makers are listening, and we must make it clear that this is unacceptable.
Here are three things you can do right now:
- Show up to your constituency office in person – Go to your constituency office with as many people as possible, they don’t all have to be from your constituency as long as one or two are. This is an election period, and representatives are paying attention. Demand answers and insist on the reinstatement of this critical role. Talking points are provided below to help guide your conversation.
- Send an email – Use the template below to contact your constituency office. Simply copy, paste, and personalize it (fill in the yellow sections), feel free to personalize it. Find your representatives in both the House of Commons and the Senate [insert link], and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same. The more voices they hear, the stronger our message
- Spread the word – Share the collective letter from over 350180 organizations online and with your network. Write to local media, organize locally, and demand better from our government. We must safeguard the basic infrastructure that has protected gender equity in Canada for over half a century.
Together, we can ensure that Canada does not dismantle infrastructure for women’s rights. Let’s make our voices heard!
EMAIL TEMPLATE TO COPY AND PASTE
Subject: [POSTAL CODE HERE] Urgent: Protect Women’s Rights in Canada – Restore the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing as a concerned constituent, [ADDRESS HERE] regarding the recent decision to eliminate the Minister for Women and Gender Equality from Cabinet—a position that has ensured women’s rights are represented at the highest levels of decision-making in Canada since 1971. This move represents a regression of over half a century and could have serious implications for life-saving programs supporting the most vulnerable communities, as well as the overall state of women’s rights across the country.
At a time when Canada is participating in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), this decision sends a troubling message about our country’s commitment to gender equality and human rights. I urge you to publicly oppose this decision and advocate for the reinstatement of this critical ministerial role.
The absence of this dedicated minister sends a troubling message about the current government’s priorities and commitment to advancing rights for intergenerational women, 2SLGBTQIIA+ people and gender equality at large. A strong economy demands that we invest in feminist policies, like healthcare, pharmacare, childcare, the national action plan to end gender based violence, and so much more. Gender equality is not an afterthought; it is the backbone of a strong economy and resilient society.
This is a key voter issue for me and people across the country, over 180 organizations representing over thousands of people across Canada have already voiced their concerns—please take a moment to review the letter here.
I hope to see strong leadership from my elected representatives in defending the progress we have made over decades.
I would appreciate a response on where you stand on this issue and how you plan to take action.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Postal Code]
TALKING POINTS FOR IN PERSON MEETING
Liberal Specific Key Messages: Key Messages to Call Liberal MPs
General Messaging Here: https://www.criaw-icref.ca/statements/joint-news-release-on-minister-of-wage/