International Women's Day Events & Senator Letter

This week there are a host of events going on all over the place in celebration and recognition of International Women's Day (IWD).

How fitting is it that Harper's Conservative Government is trying to push through this Public Sector Equitable Compensations Act which is an attack on a woman's right to Pay Equity during this time we are supposed to be celebration women, women's rights and how far we have come.

What can you do? Ask your local IWD coordinator if they have anyone coming in with information on Bill C-10 the Public Sector Equitable Compensations Act and the attack on Pay Equity. If so find out how you can get involved. If not come prepared to talk to the women you meet at these events and ask them to fax, call or e-mail their MP's and ask their Members of Parliament to support the removal of this act from the Budget Implementation Act Bill C-10.

This week the Senate is gearing up to hear the proposed amendments to the bill. One of the senators asked for more information regarding the Pay Equity aspect of the bill and expressed concerns that Pay Equity was even in the act.

You can act now... look at the below sample letter to the Senators, modify it, personalize it and send it off (no postage required) to the senators (Click Here for Names of Senate). Take action now to try to save women's rights... human rights.

Dear Senator(s):

Pay equity is a fundamental human right that has been protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act since 1977. The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that when a government violates women’s rights to pay equity, this is also an infringement of their constitutional equality rights.

This is simply another attack of women’s rights by the Harper government. The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act will not help the economy or save jobs. Government officials have admitted that there is no proof it will save the government any money.

I am extremely concerned that the government would table such a bill, and I call on you to put pressure on this government to ensure that the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act is removed from the Budget Implementation Act.

Do not use the budget to eliminate pay equity.

Pay equity is a fundamental human right that should not be traded away at a bargaining table.

Bill C-10 violates a 2007 Supreme Court of Canada decision that found free collective bargaining to be encompassed and protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.



A concerned Canadian,

Remember the only way to achieve change is action and awareness, why not do both!?