The 1995 Federal Pre-Budget Consultations: Taking Gender into Account

Abstract

This report was submitted to the Standing Committee on Finance by the National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL). Given the large contribution women make to Canada's GDP in the workforce and in non-labour market work, NAWL submits that Canadian women must be full participants in decision-making regarding national finance policy. The federal planning process should have as one of its fundamental objectives the promotion of women's substantive equality. NAWL is concerned that the current federal social security review is not designed to enhance the Canadian social welfare system, but to dismantle key aspects of the system as a method of deficit reduction. Dealing with the deficit through social spending cuts will have a disproportionately adverse impact on Canadian women. Failure to examine the gendered impact of social spending cuts in relation to other options for deficit reduction is a violation of the equality principles set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Social spending cannot be targeted without a comprehensive reassessment of all the federal tax and spending policies.