Letter to the Prime Minister of Canada

The following letter was distributed for review by participants and discussion at the meeting of policy circle 2 on day 5, Tuesday:

 

The Right Honourable Mr. Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister of Canada
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A OM7

Dear Mr. Chrétien,

I am writing to voice to you my concern over two issues: the very significant lack of women that form your present Cabinet and that comprise the executive of the federal government structure, and the very serious need to re-focus the federal agenda to actively address the issue of building sustainability.

I believe that women sharing in the decision-making will result in a different focus towards addressing how to build a sustainable future both in Canada and internationally from an environmental, economic and social perspective. Women bring to the table a different perspective of these problems and a very different set of action plans. I note that despite the fact that women make up approximately 50% of our population the Office of Status for Women has been severely reduced in both stature and funding. Although this office is mandated to review federal legislation and programs it is limited in its influence-its findings remain outside of the mainstream of decision-making of the federal government. As a result policy issues such as how multi-national corporations affect our communities, the degree of violence which Canadians must accept in the media and the level of importance that building sustainability is given within our society remain areas of concern rather than action.

I urge you to actively seek out competent women throughout Canada to participate in setting the agenda for the next century.

Yours sincerely,