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Report shows rich getting richer, women get poorer
March 7, 2008
Campbell’s policies unfairly impact women, trap many in poverty
Vancouver - A study released today by the B.C. Federation of Labour shows that policies of the Gordon Campbell government have unfairly impacted women.
The Report, “Still Waiting For Justice: Provincial policies and gender equality in BC 2001-2008”, was written by University of British Columbia Professors Gillian Creese and Veronica Strong-Boag.
“Whether it’s employment standards, minimum wage rates, taxation, childcare or housing policies, this study shows the Campbell government has systematically disbanded agencies that were designed to help women at the same time they introduced policies that have trapped many women in poverty,” says Federation Secretary-Treasurer, Angela Schira.
“Women are paid less than men. They are going deeper into debt for their education than men. Women are bearing the brunt of the childcare crisis in the province. Tax changes have disproportionately impacted women and they are under-represented in the political arena,” says the Reports co-author, Gillian Creese.
Three key areas of public policy are particularly detrimental to women: changes to public sector employment, especially in health care; changes to employment standards and minimum wages: and policies that limit access to affordable childcare.
“Even in retirement women are likely to have smaller pensions, fewer RRSP’s and a lower standard of living,” says co-author Veronica Strong-Boag. “Provincial policies have had a direct and clearly negative impact on women in the province.”
The Report recommends policy changes that would begin to undo some of the damage including: a $10/hour minimum wage, a halt to the privatization of public services, pay equity and employment equity policies, accessible and affordable childcare, reinvestment in social housing and the re-establishment of the Ministry for Women’s Equality.
“This Report makes it clear that while the Campbell government slashed budgets and shut down agencies it was women who were hurt most,” Schira added. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we need to draw attention to these backward policies and press the government to undo the damage.”
For more information: Evan Stewart, B.C. Federation of Labour, Director of Communications (604) 430-1421 or (604) 220-3095
To view the Media Backgrounder, please click here
To view the report, please click here.
