Reinstate federal minister for women, gender equality and youth, say northern organizations

Northern women's organizations are calling on the prime minister to reinstate the federal minister for women and gender equality and youth (WAGE). 

Since March 14, a letter asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to reinstate the minister has been signed by nearly 400 organizations from across the country, including YWCA N.W.T., YWCA  Agvik Nunavut, the Yukon Status of Women Council, and the Yukon Women's Transition Home Society.

Some northern women's organizations were at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women in New York City advocating to former WAGE minister Marci Ien this month when they first learned the prime minister had eliminated her position in his cabinet shuffle.

The portfolio was added to Minister Steven Guilbeault's role as minister of Canadian culture and identity, and Parks Canada.

Rae Lamache, executive director of the Yukon Status of Women Council, said it sent "shockwaves" through their sector, and left Yukon groups' advocacy to Ien in limbo.

"It would have been inconceivable to me that the new prime minister would cut the minister. It does send quite a message, especially in these uncertain times," said Lamache, pointing to the gutting of ministries, programs and organizations focused on equity in the U.S.

WAGE is among several priorities now without dedicated cabinet positions, including official languages, diversity, inclusion, persons with disabilities and seniors.

"It does raise eyebrows, to put it mildly," Lamache said.

"This is not a symbolic loss. This is not simply a reshuffling of ministerial responsibilities. There was really important work in relationship building and advocacy being done at this level and it does feel very disheartening," she said.  

WAGE funded education on intimate partner violence for lawyers and family violence professionals, and a manual to assist people navigating family court, said Lamache.

Minister Ien personally visited the Yukon in December to encourage organizations to apply for underused funding, which led to a peer support, education, research and outreach program for sex workers, she said.

Thirteen feminist organizations forming the Yukon Women's Coalition are tackling systemic issues of intimate partner violence in the territory, which has one of the highest levels of reported gender-based violence in Canada, said Lamache.

They run a sexual education hub, a young feminist club and a mentorship program for men and boys to be allied against domestic violence — all funded by WAGE, she said. 

"It's work that we are very proud of. We don't think projects like this will be as fundable without somebody advocating for them at the table," said Lamache.