Bringing Women's Voices and Concerns to the National Table
Federal Election 2008
CWHN is highlighting resources created by other non-governmental organizations for this federal election. These cover important issues, specifically on questions dealing with healthcare and women's equality. In this section, you will find answers from politicians, calls to action, questions to ask the candidates and analysis of the parties' platforms.
Women represent 51% of the Canadian population, and make up the majority of workers in the healthcare system and unpaid caregivers. Issues that are important to women are important to the country. Remember, on October 14 th , exercise your right to vote.
1 – Election 2008: where the parties stand — or not
Canadian Medical Association Journal surveyed the 5 political parties for their views on 10 major health issues that the nation faces. An article about their responses (as well as their verbatim replies) is posted online.
2 – 2008 Canadian Federal Election Questionnaire.
The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health (CFSH), Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) collaborated to produce a 2008 Canadian Federal Election Questionnaire to represent the concerns and issues of interest to their constituencies and memberships. Read the questions.
3 – The Harper Record
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) has just posted to their website a fine and timely book, edited by CLC Senior Researcher Teresa Healy.
The book consists of about 40 chapters dissecting the two and one-half year record of the Conservative government across a wide range of issues -- from jobs and the economy, to human rights, international issues, the environment, and social programs.
Many labour researchers, including from CUPE, CAW, CEP, and USW, as well as other CLC staff, contributed to The Harper Record.
4 – Getting women's equality back on track
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has made available this is short and punchy summary of 6 important issues for women's equality. It also includes a series of questions that can be raised at all-candidates meeting, or with individual candidates that come knocking at the door. Questions for candidates.
5 – Doorhanger – Federal Election 2008
The Prince Edward Island Working Group for a Livable Income is turning the tables on candidates in the current federal election by leaving door hangers for them to pick up as they go door-to-door. The door hanger can be downloaded to print on an ordinary sheet of paper here.
6 – ELECTION 2008 – ‘Don't Play With Women's Rights' Says a Non-Partisan Coalition of Advocates
A non-partisan coalition of advocates for sexual and reproductive rights, including unions and women's organizations, held a press conference to demand that political parties and future MPs clearly state their support of women's right to choose, and their commitment to ensure access to public abortion services everywhere in Canada . Before Parliament was dissolved, a number of Private Members' Bills and were introduced that would have chipped away at the right to abortion. Read more.
7 – Breast Cancer Issues are Federal Election Issues!
Canadian Breast Cancer Network has developed three Federal election questions on : breast cancer wait times; breast cancer testing standards; and federal funding for breast cancer networks in Canada . Check back often for the list of candidates in your riding! Join our Adopt-A-Riding campaign, ask your candidates to respond to the three questions, send us their responses to post on this site. Get involved!
8 - Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
As health care is an issue that touches us all, year after year it remains a top priority for Canadians. CFNU will be keeping a close eye on what the parties say about issues we care about. In this section, you will find information on what the parties have promised in regards to nurses' issues, and CFNU's response to their announcements, if any. As well, CFNU has written to all the party leaders asking them to answer these questions.
Prepared by:
Mona Dupré-Ollinik
Canadian Women's Health Network
