WE OPPOSE THE HARPER GOVERNMENT'S CUTS!!!

As a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the political, social and economic equality of women, the Nanaimo Women's Resources Society opposes the Harper government cuts. In particular we are concerned with the $5 million in administrative reductions to Status of Women Canada, and the elimination of the Court Challenges program.

It is disappointing to see federal support for women diminished, particularly after the severe cuts to women's centres throughout British Columbia. Status of Women Canada is the federal body responsible for promoting gender equality in Canada. To quote the government's own website, this federal department supports " the full participation of women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of the country."

Status of Women Canada is particularly concerned with eliminating systemic violence against women and children, and advancing women's human rights. This is important work, and it a shame to see this department diminished to such an extent. Cuts to administration can be as devastating as direct cuts to services, and the Nanaimo Women's Centre has had direct experience with this.

Stephen Harper is clearly not interested in equality—he is willing to turn back the clock for Canadian women in order to benefit a precious few.

The elimination of the Court Challenges program is a tremendous loss as well. This twelve-year-old national non-profit organization provided financial assistance for important court cases that advance language and equality rights guaranteed under Canada's Constitution. It is important that these court challenges are made—because sometimes laws do discriminate even if they are meant to treat everyone equally.

Canadians are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and should be able to take the government to court without financial consequence if Charter rights are not being upheld.