(OTTAWA) –Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich – Gulf Islands), highlighted the depth of issues associated with women in Canada in her one-on-one interview with Up for Debate.
May brought substantive discussion about women’s issues, including a proposal for a national strategy to end violence against women, with a high priority for a national inquiry into the deaths of First Nations women. She said, “It is a tough item but needs to be done.”
May discussed how Green policies of a guaranteed livable income,student debt relief and abolishing tuition would help families, especially young families who are still struggling with their own debt, but also looking forward to when their children go off to school.
Child care programs were also a topic. May pointed out that a variety of better programs are needed to help parents. The Green Party platform includes high quality child care for every Canadian family who wants it and a school nutrition program.
Pointing out that we still live in a patriarchal society, May stated, “I’ve never worked in a workplace as male dominated and testosterone-flooded as the House of Commons.” She said that more women in politics could bring more decorum to the house. The real issue though, as she stated, is that more women in the house would improve democracy and the state of the national debate on key issues.
“I say good luck to all women in Canada and that this election brings us the kind of good government that recognizes the issues that Mr. Harper has been ignoring. That we start fixing the things he broke and putting this country on a good path,” she stated.
“When Canadians elect Green MPs this fall, women’s issues will be a priority. The Green Party will fight to end gender-based discrimination in the workplace and violence against women,” concluded May. May has stated that Green MPs would be willing to work collaboratively with other parties in the next Parliament.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca