FEWO Committee Report

Ms. Anita Neville, M.P., Chair
Standing Committee on the Status of Women
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Ms. Neville:

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to respond to the first Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, Study to explore the concerns of the women’s organizations and equality-seeking organizations, which was tabled in the House of Commons on February 10, 2005.

I would like to thank you and Committee members for conducting such a thorough examination. The report is timely as Status of Women Canada is in the process of evaluating the Women’s Program. The Government’s consideration of the work of the Committee begins–but does not end–with the enclosed response.

The testimony presented to the Standing Committee confirms the important role played by the Women’s Program in supporting groups at the national, regional and local level. It also underlines the desire of women’s and other equality-seeking groups to contribute to the development of follow-up to the program evaluation.

As Minister responsible for Status of Women, I recognize the importance of gender equality issues in the public policy agenda. I am also committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with women’s and other equality-seeking organizations on next steps following the evaluation of the program and in the development of the renewed federal gender equality strategy. The upcoming consultation process will provide an opportunity for groups to make their views known concerning future program criteria, mechanisms and objectives.

As you are aware, Status of Women Canada began an evaluation process in the Fall of 2004 which will be seeking information from funded groups on the changes to the funding mechanisms as well as their experience with other sources of funding. In considering the program’s efficiency and effectiveness, Status of Women will be exploring alternate models of program delivery, including options for funding mechanisms, subject to the approval of the revised Terms and Conditions under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.

The recommendation for increased funding will be considered through the customary priority-setting exercises which occur in the lead-up to the federal budget. Once the evaluation process is completed, and the results are received, the Government will have the necessary information to move forward.

Respectfully submitted,

Liza Frulla, P.C., M.P.