Editor:
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) National office has just released its analysis of the recent federal budget. CFUW, Owen Sound and Area Club's response is the following edited and abridged version of that three-page analysis.
BUDGET 2015 WHAT'S IN IT FOR WOMEN?
This year's budget is heavy on tax benefits, as well as additional support for women
entrepreneurs and women in the corporate sector.
WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SECURITY
There are no specific initiatives to promote job creation for women or enhance their
economic security. There is little investment for low-income women.
EDUCATION
CFUW points out the need for the federal government to increase its investment in
post-secondary education to 0.56% of GDP, and specifically earmark those funds to
transfer payments to provinces and territories. This action will help defray university
operating costs and help universities reduce tuition fees.
HOUSING
Social housing funds and a commitment to Housing First (a program to provide
housing for homeless people) will be continued but no new funds to eradicate
poverty and homelessness. Women's shelters have raised concerns that the
new Housing First model will impact on the provision of secure accommodation
for vulnerable women. CFUW calls on the government to commit appropriate
funding to develop and implement a coordinated strategy to address poverty
and homelessness with a gender-based analysis.
CAREGIVERS
The major tax credit proposed, 'The Family Tax Cut', whereby couples may split
their income for tax purposes, is widely criticized for its cost, over $2 billion
annually, and that the majority of the benefits will go to wealthier families.
CHILDCARE
Existing benefits will increase from $100. per month to $160. per month for children under 6.
In Ontario the average monthly cost is $970. and in B.C. $905. These benefits do not
address the real cost of childcare in Canada.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
There is no mention of violence against women and girls, in the budget, no mention of
missing and murdered Aboriginal women in the budget.
In CFUW's pre-budget submission, we called for a significant funding commitment to
develop and implement a comprehensive, cross-jurisdictional National Action Plan on
Violence against Women and Girls with a significant focus on Aboriginal women.
BUDGET 2015 WHAT'S IN IT FOR WOMEN? NOT MUCH.
