We demand Ottawa immediately allocate sufficient funds for subsidies to save the family farm. We salute lesbian women, who fought for years for same-sex benefits and we recognize their work that forced the federal government to introduce a bill to provide same sex benefits for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered persons. We also recognize that this is not enough, that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, must have equal rights enshrined in the constitution. There has been a tragic increase in homelessness across the country. The cancellation of national housing programs combined with the growing poverty of working and poor people affects thousands of women and children.
Women are at the forefront of the fightback for affordable housing.
The reduction of federal transfer payments, and neoliberal provincial policies, have resulted in many cuts to women's shelters, and to counseling programs which have assisted countless women to find a safe haven from domestic violence. Hundreds of women's organizations have ceased to exist over the past two years as a result of drastic funding cuts. This, at a time when women can ill afford to lose such valuable programs and services. The CPC Women's Commission demands reinstatement and expansion of core funding for women's equality seeking organizations, including NAC, full funding for grassroots, feminist services to deal with violence against women. We demand the extension of all public benefits, including marriage, to gay and lesbian couples.