News Releases
April 5, 2004
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS AND GENDER EQUALITY
HALIFAX, April 2, 2004 -- At a recent dialogue in Halifax, the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women) heard a diversity of views on effective mechanisms to help the government advance gender equality in Canada.
"It has been almost 35 years since the Royal Commission on the Status of Women tabled its landmark report, recommending among other things, specific governmental mechanisms that it believed were necessary to ensure ongoing progress in the advancement of women in public policy, " the Minister said. "Much has changed in Canada since the days of the Royal Commission and the changes concern machinery as much as policy".
This was the first in a series of dialogues to be held in various centers across the county. In Halifax, the Minister met with individuals who have experience in the machinery of government as it relates to gender equality, as well as those with experience in accountability mechanisms in other areas that either cut across many government departments or involve other sectors, such as the voluntary or private sectors.
"We can all learn from the experiences of others. That's why, it's important to glean what we can from lessons learned in other areas. I believe the insights we gain will enhance our ability to develop effective accountability mechanisms that truly work and that help guide us in our future endeavours around advancing gender equality," the Minister concluded.
A summary of the discussion will be posted on the Status of Women Canada Web site in the coming days at www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.
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