FEWO Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 19

Thursday, October 26, 2006

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women met at 11:10 a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Vice-Chair, Joy Smith, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Johanne Deschamps, Nina Grewal, Helena Guergis, Irene Mathyssen, Hon. Maria Minna, Maria Mourani, Hon. Anita Neville, Hon. Judy Sgro, Joy Smith and Bruce Stanton.

Acting Members present: Sukh Dhaliwal for Hon. Belinda Stronach and Laurie Hawn for Patricia Davidson.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Marlisa Tiedemann, Analyst ; Laura Barnett, Analyst.

Witnesses: International Organization for Migration: Vivita Rozenbergs, Head, Counter Trafficking Unit; Niurka Piñeiro, Regional Coordinator, Media and External Relations. International Labor Organization: Armand F. Pereira, Director, Washington Office. Comité d'action contre le trafic humain interne et international: Jean Bellefeuille, Member; Aurélie Lebrun, Member and Researcher.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Thursday, September 21st, 2006, the Committee resumed its study of human trafficking.

Vivita Rozenbergs, Armand F. Pereira, Jean Bellefeuille and Aurélie Lebrun made statements and, with Niurka Piñeiro, answered questions.

Judy Sgro took the Chair.

At 12:32 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:33 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.

Maria Minna moved, — That,

Whereas the recent $5 million in cuts to the operating budget of the Status of Women Canada places in jeopardy the valuable work done in this department to promote the equality women and;

Whereas these cuts will make it harder for women across the country to participate in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of society and;

Whereas the draconian changes to the Terms and Conditions to the Women’s Program under Status of Women undermines the very basis of our democracy – the ability to advocate on behalf of vulnerable groups and;

Whereas removing “equality” as one of the goals of the program sends a chilling message to the dedicated equality-seeking organizations throughout the country;

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), that the Standing Committee on the Status of Women Status of Women Ccanada recommends that the government reverse the $5 million in cuts to the operating budget of Status of Women Canada and re-instate the original Terms and Conditions of the Women’s Program and that the Chair report the adoption of this motion to the House without delay.

Debate arose thereon.

Helena Guergis moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the preamble.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 6.

It was agreed, — That consideration of the motion be postponed until the next meeting.

At 1:05 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Michelle Tittley
Clerk of the Committee

2007-10-29 8:56