This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information. 


Sign the Up for Debate petition!

Tell Canada's political leaders you want know how they will address gender inequality. Sign the petition today

Ottawa (23 Feb. 2015) — Have you ever wanted to know how seriously our political leaders take fixing gender inequality in our country? How would they fix the ongoing wage gap between men and women? Don't you think it's time they provided answers to the important questions facing women? We do. 

Up For Debate is an alliance of women’s organizations, community groups and international organizations from across Canada. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is a proud member of this growing coalition. Over 130 groups have joined Up for Debate because we have one thing in common:we believe in equality between men and women, and we want every Canadian to know where our political leaders stand on gender equality.

Issues affecting women should be prominent in 2015 election

Gender inequality impacts us all. It’s in every Canadian’s interest to know where the federal leaders stand on all kind of issues from discrimination to violence, leadership, employment, sexual harassment and child care.

"Income inequality continues to increase in our country," says Brenda Hildahl, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Women's Issues at NUPGE. "And many of the contributing issues, such as child care, pay equity, violence against women and affordable housing can be addressed at the federal level."

The alliance notes that although today more women than ever before are graduating from university, entering new professions and running for public office, women still make up the majority of the poor, earn 20 per cent less than their male peers for the same work, and do twice as much unpaid work at home.

"Women are tired of the lip service politicians give our issues, because they aren't just women's issues. All of these issues have an impact on the economic stability of our communities and our country," said Hildahl. "We need the leaders to commit to talking directly to women about their concrete plans to resolve increasing inequality."

Sign the petition calling on federal party leaders to participate in national debate

That is why Up for Debate has launched a petition calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Bloc Quebecois leader Mario Beaulieu to participate in a nationally broadcast leader’s debate on issues affecting women and girls. 

Please sign the petition, and spread the word so that all parties will tell Canadians where they stand, and how they will address, gender inequality.

More information: 

Up for Debate

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE