A coalition of women’s organizations are pressuring Liberal Leader Mark Carney to reinstate a federal gender minister after the position was removed in the interim cabinet.
The gender equality portfolio was absorbed by the Ministry of Canadian Culture and Identity led by former environment minister Steven Guilbeault.
Previously the gender equality minister position received an annual salary of nearly $300,000
Multiple feminist NGOs signed a letter claiming that the move undermines support for women’s advocacy and social programs.
Since March 14, nearly 400 organizations—including YWCA N.W.T., YWCA Agvik Nunavut, the Yukon Status of Women Council, and the Yukon Women’s Transition Home Society, have signed a letter calling on the prime minister to restore the dedicated cabinet position.
The shift has sparked concern among certain women’s groups such as the Yukon Status of Women Council, whose executive director Rae Lamache said it sent a “shockwave” throughout activist communities and warned that it could stall ongoing initiatives.
“It does send quite a message, especially in these uncertain times,” Lamache said, comparing the decision to cuts in DEI programs seen in the United States under the Trump administration.
The women’s and gender equality portfolio, previously a standalone ministry, funded programs addressing partner violence, legal education, and support for sex workers.
Despite these concerns, the Liberals insist that the work of gender equality will continue.
“Given the increase in femicides and the increased danger women are in when economies suffer, now is the time to increase, not decrease, resources,” said Sherri Robertson, executive director of Nunavut’s YWCA Agvik.
YWCA N.W.T. executive director Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay questioned the government’s priorities in consolidating the ministry.
“The message it’s sending to us is that the federal government does not prioritize the issues and health and well-being of women and families,” she said.
The Liberal government has faced scrutiny over its expanding cabinet, when it reached a record-breaking 39 ministers under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
While the government assures that gender equality initiatives will continue under Minister Guilbeault’s expanded portfolio, some women’s organizations remain unconvinced.