LTE: Canadian Government Eliminates Minister for Women and Gender Equality Amid United Nations Women’s Rights Summit

New York UNHQ –   It is unacceptable that the new Canadian Prime Minister has eliminated the position of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth (WAGE) in his newly announced cabinet. This regressive step undermines decades of progress toward gender equality and political representation in Canada. Even in a lean cabinet, which purports to be responding to specific economic pressures, the absence of this dedicated minister sends a troubling message about the current government’s priorities and commitment to advancing rights for intergenerational women,  2SLGBTQIIA+ people and gender equality at large. A strong economy demands that we invest in feminist policies, like healthcare, pharmacare, childcare, the national action plan to end gender based violence, and so much more. Gender equality is not an afterthought; it is the backbone of a strong economy and resilient society. 

WAGE must retain a dedicated cabinet position. Consolidating these responsibilities into a broader portfolio undermines the focus, expertise, and resources required to tackle systemic issues effectively. Simply put, it will not work. Gender equality demands dedicated leadership, accountability, and sustained attention—none of which can be adequately achieved when it is treated as an afterthought within a larger, unrelated ministry.

This move, dismantling the national machinery for women’s rights and gender equality, has far-reaching implications. This decision comes amid a broader international backlash on women and gender rights, with countries rolling back protections and support structures. We are also deeply concerned about the deprioritization of the young feminist portfolio. This pushes young feminists in Canada back into the footnotes of decision-making, ripping away a hard-won seat at the table when it is most critical. 

This week 189 countries, including Canada, are reviewing 30 years of progress on women’s advancement. The removal of this cabinet position is a betrayal of the principles outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which Canada has long supported. Furthermore, it contradicts the spirit of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the ongoing efforts to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIIA+ people. 

The removal of this cabinet position is not just a symbolic loss; it has real-world implications for millions of women and gender-diverse people and workers in Canada who rely on the government to protect their rights and advance their interests. Furthermore, Canada’s commitment to women’s rights, equality and full participation in society depends on this department’s sustained funding, policy making and accountability measures.

It is imperative that the Prime Minister reconsider this decision and reinstate a dedicated Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to ensure that these critical issues remain at the forefront of Canada’s political agenda. People in Canada do not have to choose between the economy and critical social priorities. 

We, the undersigned, demand better. 

Anuradha Dugal – Women’s Shelters Canada

Jackie Neapole – Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW-ICREF)

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah – Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights