Scrapping the Status of Women Canada

Are the Conservatives really going to deconstruct the Status of Women Canada?

While I do believe we are working towards the elimination of barriers towards women, sadly I do not feel we are totally there. I strongly feel that there is still a need for the Status of Women Canada. It's sad and it's unfortunate that we still have a need for this department but I do not support a scrapping of the SWC.

While REAL Women (A right wing group) says it’s a waste, I would say that a serious problem would be the neglect of an issue that can be solved. Women should not face barriers and glass ceilings. We need to continue working towards equalizing the environment for women.

Nothing would bring me more joy if we were in a position where we could get rid of the need for the Status of Women Canada...I don't think we're there yet.

Scott Brison wrote a letter to Bev Oda asking her to support the continuation of the Status of Women Canada. I hope others will show leadership on the issue.

S.

***

Dear Honourable Minister,

I was dismayed to read a Canadian Press report today that REAL Women Canada, a socially conservative group that actively supports the Conservative Party of Canada, is trying to pressure the government to disband Status of Women Canada. REAL Women Canada has called Status of Women Canada a “serious abuse of taxpayers’ money”.

Status of Women Canada was created in the 1970’s, following the work of a Royal Commission on the Status of Women in 1967, to address equality and the full participation of women in the economic, political, social, and cultural life of the country. In particular, SWC has focused on improving women’s economic well-being, addressing issues around violence against women and children, and furthering the rights of women.

Statistics show that women continue to make up the vast majority of victims of sexual offences and spousal violence. It is also notable that the number of women elected to the Parliament of Canada has not increased appreciably in the last 10 years. Clearly, given the continuing issues around equality and rights for women, there exists a need for the work of SWC in education, advocacy and research to ensure that progress is not halted.

October is Women’s History Month in Canada and I truly hope that your contribution to this commemoration will not be to make Status of Women Canada itself history. This year in particular will focus on Aboriginal women and I hope you agree that a lot of work remains to be done to improve the plight of women in our Aboriginal communities.

I ask for your unequivocal support for the continuation of Status of Women Canada and a full repudiation of the efforts of REAL Women Canada to disband SWC. I look forward to your immediate, and public, reply.

Sincerely,

Scott Brison, M.P.
Kings-Hants

Oh Jason Kenney....

Oh Deputy to Prime Minister Harper...

how can you first say:...I didn't go to any rally...well, I didn't really go...they pulled me from the streets ...to...okay, I addressed the mass rally and I said things on behalf of the PM ... Mujahedins, what??...


the article...

‘Harvey’s…makes a political meeting a beautiful thing…’

End of the road…

So we went to Hanover out in Bruce Grey Owen Sound. Scott had a great discussion with Liberals, Ovid and Verona Jackson, and a few local media. The owner of the Harvey’s is a Liberal supporter and put up the Brison meeting up on the sign. It was great!

Or as Scott said… ‘Harvey’s…makes a political meeting a beautiful thing…’

We then went to Barrie where we met in a maritime pub with Liberals from Barrie and Simcoe North. Scott answered questions that ranged from foreign policy to the details of the leadership race. People asked whom he would support on second ballot…to which Scott replied… “I am too busy working on Plan A to worry about Plan B.” Scott’s working in this race to win. Scott wants to lead our party forward and defeat Stephen Harper.

We then left Barrie and got on the 400 and headed down to Toronto so we could attend the LPCO boat cruise on Sunday. The weather was not as sunny as it could have been but the boat cruise was great for Scott. A few leadership candidates were there, yet not nearly as many GTA candidates as one would have thought, but there were Liberals from all over in attendance. The LPCO raised a lot of money by auctioning items off. One person is going to lunch with Scott and Mike Duffy…

After the boat cruise, Scott flew out to Vancouver. Richard and I hopped back into the Malibu and heading back down the 401 for one last time… Richard has a love affair with Chinese food and decided that we needed to find a place to eat in Ajax. Finding a non-buffet or non take-out Chinese food restaurant was not nearly as easy as one would think…mind you, we did pass a Japanese, Korean, and Thai. We stopped in a Tim Horton’s and I chatted with some locals about where some restaurants were. Yeah…that’s right, Richard made me go into a Timmy’s and ask some random strangers where a Chinese food restaurant was. They probably thought it was hilarious…why we couldn’t’ just go for something else was beyond me. Mind you, we found a great place in Whitby…where the food was rather tasty!

Now that we are back, I can’t wait to rest. I don’t know how the candidates do it. Scott has an energy level that is beyond me. He’s dedication to meeting Liberals across the country is serious and meaningful. A leader needs to have the ability to engage Liberals across the country in discussion - and Scott Brison is doing that.

…until the next road trip…

Thank god I am a country girl

We're out in back country Ontario. We just finished up a stop in Huron Bruce. As we drove in from Stratford, we were graced with the beautiful view of the country side. Ontario- your's to discover....

Scott had a great coffee with a few local Liberals in Stratford. We had a great turn out in Paul Steckle's riding of Huron Bruce. Paul Steckle's lovely wife, Cathy, took Scott around to chat with about 20 local Liberals.

When Scott meets with Liberals who are from the family farm and they speak about their issues- he gets it. He knows that they only way the Liberals are going to win Canada back from Harper is when we reach out to small town and rural Canada. There are no ridings that are write offs. Canada's country side is essential. Scott is the only rural candidate running in this race.
He understands the issues.

As a party, we've lost our touch with small town Canada - and Scott is on a misson to change that. Harper may be from the west but he doesn't represent the views of rural and small town Canada. It's going to take the work of rural members such as Paul Steckle and Scott Brison to help win back small town Canada.

We are now on our way to Bruce Grey Owen Sound....

...Wow, I wish I had brought more than just two CDs....and I don't want to listen to Richard's music....there is only so much beach boys I can take.

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Friday night with Scott Brison

....It's a Friday evening and Richard and I are hanging out with Scott Brison and a bunch of local London Liberals.

We just finished a large event with about 50 Liberals who came out to meet and speak with Scott. There were great policies brought up and great discussions. We had a great turn out and a lot of support for Scott.

Scott's Driver, ...who shall not be named- so we'll call him Ed R., missed a turn. So Scott got to see another riding. So can we add another riding to the count??

London is such a happening town at night. We walked by bar after bar filled with people and we ended up at a restaurant and we're the only people here...but the thai food is suppose to be the best.

Tomorrow we hit the road with Scott and we're stoping in a few riding and even right up to Bruce Grey Owen Sound!

...It's a wee early start tomorrow....

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4 ridings and 4 lost pens

We have been to a few ridings now and I have manged to leave a pen in each one. Like most women, I carry a big purse to which I can carry a lot of items....4 pens yes but 5 pens, that's asking too much.

We had a great event in Cobourg with a lot of people, young and the young at heart. Former MP Paul Macklin was out as well. There were great discussions about earning back the trust of small town Canada.

The more I hear Scott speak, the more policies views I find we have in common. I also love Scott's real sense of humour.

Too funny! Today in Cobourg:
Scott Brison on Harper: "he's a shrub. He's a shrub because a shrub is a little Bush, and that's exactly what Harper wants to be."

We then went off to the riding of Durham. Sadly we didn't run into Bev Oda (could I win the YLC iPod if I captured a photo?!?).

We had a wonderful event in Bowmanville where the discussion on ideas and policies was free flowing. We then travelled to Whitby where we were joined by Liberals from Oshawa and Whitby-Oshawa including the wonderful former MP Judi Longfield.

It's been a long day. I have successfully prevented Richard from playing Paul Anka covers....to those that were in the van to PEI, you understand.

...Until tomorrow...
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2 ridings down...17 to go

Belleville was great. We had lunch at the Bohemian Penguin. Very chic and a must try. It was much better than the can of cocktail weenies that Richard wanted to grab at a small gas station outside of Kingston.

Richard also tried to stop at a gas station that was literally a house with a gas pump on the front lawn. It was the cob webs in the nozzle that made him clue in that there may be no service...

The coffee/lunch was a nice gathering of local liberals where Scott and the members engaged in discussions. Scott, being the only rurual candidate in the race has a great understanding of small town Canada. The dicussions ranged from tax policy to foreign policy and it was much more of a dialog than a speech. Scott noted, 'if we are going to win the next election, we need to earn the votes in small and rural Canada.'

Side note: Since conferation, the riding of Kings Hants has only gone Liberal once before Scott. Since then, Scott has won it twice as a Liberal. He doubled the history!

Sarah@scottbrison.ca

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19 ridings in Malibu

So we (Richard Diamond, the president of the Young Liberals, and me) hit the road this morning to do an Ontario Tour with Scott Brison. Today, we're hitting ridings from Ottawa to London and then this weekend up to Bruce Grey Owen Sound until the LPCO boat cruise on Sunday.

Scott is doing a grassroot tour where he will have an opportunity to listen and engage in discussions with local Liberals. (He is also sampling the finest assortments of coffee that the province has to offere...)

We started at 6:30am...who leaves their house at that time?!? (You know you love your candidate when...)

And you know you take it for the team when you have to spend countless hours in a car with Richard who has a love affair for "florida old person music". That's righ - Paul Anka, Billy Joel, Sinatra, and the Righteous Brothers. Did I mention that Richard has a cover of 'Smells like Teen Spirt' done by Anka!

We just finished a stop to Smiths Falls in the riding of Lanark Frontenac Addington. We're on our way to Belleville.

...To be continued...

Sarah

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Conservative M.I.A. Caucus

A little bit of summer fun....

The Young Liberals of Canada want YOU to Join a Political Photo Scavenger Hunt
Win a free iPod!

Young Liberals solemnly realize the importance of our elected officials. Parliamentarians serve an important role in our country and young Canadians are always eager to engage them and discuss the issues. However, Young Liberals have lost track of some of these Members of Parliament.

The Young Liberals of Canada are seeking help to find:

• Cheryl Gallant who believes that “a functioning uterus can be an impediment to getting a job;”
• David Sweet who hasn’t been seen since his days with the Promise Keepers;
• The 'Real' Rahim Jaffer not his radio impersonator;
• Pierre Poilievre who vanished after making an interesting gesture in the House of Commons;
• Rob Anders who called Nelson Mandela a “terrorist;”
• Collin Mayes who wants to throw journalists in jail, a warning, this may extend to Young Liberals; and
• Bob Mills who thinks “CO2 is a plant food.”

The Young Liberals of Canada have been searching high and low for them, but with no success.

“We miss Cheryl Gallant and her views but we just can’t find her anywhere!” Richard Diamond, President of the Young Liberals said.

“We truly miss David Sweet, he is just so sweet and all but it seems he’s gone missing,” added Marianne Tremblay, Vice President of External Affairs.

Out of deep concern for these missing MPs, the Young Liberals of Canada has issued a challenge to all Canadians: track down the missing in action Conservatives for fun and profit!

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s lackeys are more elusive than the Sasquatch – but at least there are photos of the Sasquatch. Can you help us prove these MPs’ exist?

If you can spot them, send a recent live or photoshop- created photo of any of the Conservative M.I.A. Caucus members to spickup@liberal.ca, by September 4th, for the chance to win an iPod!

The Table Officers of the Young Liberals will pick the winning photo. Preference will go to recent in-person photographs. Please make sure to respect their privacy as much as Pierre Poilievre respects Parliament (extra points if you get an obscene gesture from him).

*updated - international fallout!! - Where was Harper??

update*

International fallout?!?

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf cancels after learning that Canada's
prime minister would not be there to officially greet her. It’s appalling that Harper would not greet Africa's first female head of state and a representative of the AIDS-ravaged
sub-Saharan region!

More no-shows:

-On Tuesday, International Co-operation Minister Josee Verner cancelled
-On Monday, Health Minister Tony Clement postponed a scheduled news conference, but no new date or time was given.

There is a real lack of leadership and poor political judgment by Harper and his government.

***

It's not a good message to the internatioanl community that the Canadian PM, Stephen Harper, did not feel the need to attend the opening of the 2006 international AIDS conference.

Scott Brison, a Nova Scotia MP, said Harper's decision not to attend the conference sends a clear message to Canadians about the government's stance on HIV/AIDS.

"Stephen Harper's absence here tonight demonstrates a shocking lack of leadership and an appalling lack of compassion," Brison said.

Even actor Richard Gere took shots at Harper for being a no-show.

the article

Conspiracy theory?

Why is the Harper government trying to 'erase' all notification of ‘Climate Change’?

Read the article

Exhibit A-Removing the public government website: www.climatechange.gc.ca

Exhibit B- external links to environmental organizations such as environmentalist David Suzuki's website are currently under construction.

Exhibit C- “Conservatives have been expunging previous government news releases and other climate change information from federal websites”

Exhibit D- References to Kyoto being ‘deleted’ from government websites

Evidence of the environmental purge: the cancellation of the One Tonne Challenge and the EnerGuide program soon after the Conservatives took power.

Their response: ‘they are committed to implementing a made-in-Canada plan’. Last time I check, the Liberal government was Canadian. Just a word to the wise: A made-in Canada plan should not include ignorance or deferral.

Politics taken on the road…

A bunch of us loaded up in a few vans and headed East to the Young Liberal Atlantic Caucus. We were hoping for fun times, seafood, and the ocean breeze.

Congrats to the PEI Young Liberals for putting on an awesome convention!

We started our trip with a stay in New Brunswick. Our hotel was oddly damp and at 4am and then again at 5:30am, our fire alarm went off...not funny. Then we were off to Cavendish where we stop at the Anne of Green Gables house! I am not going to lie. I was beyond excited. I have a love of Canadian literature and movies. I own the books and dvds of Anne. We enjoyed a church supper of seafood. I don’t get the appeal of muscles. Then we went to Charlottetown where the convention was being held at UPEI.

The opening ceremonies were held at a race track! It was a lot of fun and we were joined by numerous leadership candidates. After that, we were off to Scott Brison’s suite party before we hit the bars...or I mean bar, one bar. The morning was started with policy discussion that open the floor to ideas and criticism for the future of the party. Scott Brison, Ken Dryden, Gerard Kennedy, and Mark Holland were part of the discussions. Then we were off to the park where we played sports and had a bbq. Some went to the beach while a few of us went to a “ice-tea and pie” event with Shawn Murphy for Scott Brison. The evening was capped off with a dinner with guest speakers such as Dion, a few east coast members of parliament and the president of the provinal PEI Liberals. I was lucky to sit at a table with a Senator. He was giving us his view on how to get more women involved…and I very much disagreed with him so it spawned a conversation. He was suggesting mandatory appointment of women candidates. On side note, I am not for this. We need to reduce the barriers for women and level the playing field. (this could be a whole other post). The evening was filled with traditional suite parties and then the bar again. It was after the bar where our adventures got interesting…

For some reason, Richard decided he wanted hot and sour soup while in Charlottetown. The soup was so bad we couldn’t eat it. I am not one to normally send back food, but this was soup diluted with vinegar. We tried to send it back. We were polite but the waitress just cancelled our order and didn’t tell us. We were served our bill and asked to pay and leave. So we complained to the owner, who was a huge jerk. I told him that I know Asian food and the soup was not edible. We were willing to pay for food we ate, but not the soup. Now…the first sign that this restaurant was not a good idea should have been that there was a bouncer at the door. I kid you not. There was a bouncer at a China Gardens. Any ways, a girl in line tried to get up all in my face and started yelling at me…lol. I told her it didn’t concern her and that she should shut it. Melissa went back up and apparently the girl was enraged and wanted to fight me…lol. The odds would have been in my favor since she was intoxicated and I was sober…who ever said that Islander’s were peaceful…

After PEI we went to beautiful Nova Scotia. We went to Scott Brison’s annual riding BBQ at his home in Cheverie. I am now convinced that city living is totally over rated. It was beautiful out in rural Nova Scotia . After the BBQ we had a huge bon fire and a party at his house. A

few car loads of young liberals drove out and we had ourselves a grand old time. Nothing is nicer than partying on the Bay of Fundy, under the stars, in front of a fire…

Car ride back…we stopped at way too many Irvings. And you know when a car game goes badly when it last for hours. We decided to play- name that city, then name a city with the last letter. It went on for hours. And we weren’t playing no child’s game. Cory wrote down the names so we couldn’t repeat them. 14 hours back home…aside from playing the game for a bit, I tried to rest up.

Okay, maybe I do miss Nancy’s turkey gravy from the Truro Irvings…You’re her number one Richard.