The “Just Society” A Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow

Taking a Stand On June 10, 1968, Pierre Elliot Trudeau gave a speech that defined his vision for Canada: that Canada would become a “Just Society” – one in which there would be equal opportunity and social justice for all. For many Canadians this was a goal towards which they spent the next four decades striving towards

Women`s Rights in Canada You go, girl!

Status of Women by 1950 Positives for Women Considered legal “persons” with rights and protections had the right to vote in all elections and to be elected/appointed to any political/judicial position More women were in the workforce than ever before (impact of WWII) Could now become doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. Negatives for Women Many laws were not applied equally to both genders and favoured men Discrimination was widespread and legal (especially in the workplace) Women made less $ than men, even for the same job Universities discriminated when accepting women students (they had to have higher marks) Only 67 women had ever been elected to any Canadian political office (compared to 6778 men)

Changes That Need To Be Made… 1967, the Liberal government established a “Royal Commission on the Status of Women” to investigate the plight of women in Canada and make suggestions for improvement They spent 3 years studying the issue and made several key recommendations Recommendations: Outlaw gender-based discrimination by employers Gov’t should fund better daycare for working mothers Paid maternity leave Increased availability of birth control and control over reproductive rights The gov’t should appoint more female judges and senators

…Changes That Are Made. The Federal Gov’t enacted a few of the changes by 1977: – Outlawed discrimination based on gender – Required women employed by the gov’t to receive equal pay – Some affirmative action programs are started for women These changes only resulted after protests and pressure from women’s groups

The Tipping Point The introduction of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms helped usher in a new era for women`s rights They did not need to wait for laws to be passed, they could now challenge (in court) unfair laws and have them removed Numerous political and legal campaigns had to be waged to bring Canadian law into line with the ideals of equality

Welcome to the World of Tomorrow…. (well, the year 2000) Positives for Women Women held high political offices (PM, Supreme Court Judge, Gov. General, etc.) Women held 21% of the seats in the House of Commons Women were 45% of the workforce (43% of all managers) Women had full access to birth control and reproductive rights All laws and policies had to meet the gender-equality standard or be overturned by the courts Laws against sexual harassment have been passed and enforced Negatives for Women Women only held 6% of the top jobs (CEO, board members) in large Canadian companies A wage gap still exists between men and women The glass ceiling still prevents many women from attaining the highest levels of employment