March 2009 Parliamentary Report

March 2009 - Parliamentary Report
 
 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY                                            
 
March 8 is International Women's Day, the culmination of International Women's Week, from March 2 to 8 this year - a time to celebrate the achievements of women.
 
Canada's 2009 theme is Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World = Equality
 
International Women`s Week is a time for Canadians to celebrate progress toward equality for women, reflect on the present challenges and consider future steps.
 
Full equality for women has yet to be achieved. Women's significant contributions, however, are growing. For example:
·         women now make up 47% of all workers in Canada;
·         their workforce participation rate has increased to 62.4% - a record high; and
·         with ownership in 47% of Canada's small businesses, Canadian women are establishing businesses at twice the rate of men.
 
HISTORIC GAINS
 
Equality has been a Canadian theme since Conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker first passed the Canadian Bill of Rights.  Conservative Kim Campbell set an example as the first woman to become Prime Minister of Canada.
 
Funding to the Women`s Program at Status of Women is up 42% since our Government took office, its highest level ever.  In 2007-2008 the number of organizations receiving funding from the Women`s Program increased by 69%, largely due to a more proactive outreach strategy - 41% of whom were first-time applicants.
 
GETTING THE JOB DONE
 
Understanding the importance of leadership for Canadian women, Prime Minister Harper appointed the highest percentage of women to Cabinet in Canadian history.  Minister of State Helena Guergis is the first Minister of State solely dedicated to the Status of Women.  As well, Minister Guergis recently announced a $1.2 million partnership with Equal Voice to pair young women and girls with mentors of all political stripes, increasing democratic literacy and political participation.
 
In these tough economic times the Government is working to increase the economic security and prosperity of Canadian women. The Economic Action Plan will help small business owners, 47% of whom are women, by raising to $500,000 the amount of small business income eligible for the reduced federal tax rate.  We are also helping the most vulnerable.  Our plan to lower personal income taxes will mean low-income Canadians, many of whom are women, can earn more before they pay income tax. We will also double the tax relief provided by the Working Income Tax Benefit to help low-income Canadians over the "welfare wall" and into gainful employment.
 
As we renew our commitment to this work, I wish you a fulfilling International Women's Day and a time of true celebration of all we have achieved and hope for the future.