On March 14, 2025, NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality, Leah Gazan, issued the following statement.
Prime Minister Carney’s announcement of his new cabinet makes clear that women and gender equality is not a priority for his government. Not only did Carney fail to meet gender parity in his appointments; his entire dissolution of a cabinet position for women and gender equality shows that he has turned his back on women, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, the epidemic of violence against women, income inequality, reproductive rights, and gender affirming care. This is a massive step backwards in the progress that has been made to lift up the human rights of women and gender diverse people.
At a time when human rights are under attack, we must not scale back our support for the rights of women and gender diverse people. In fact, now is a time to reaffirm support. We are witnessing a crisis of gender-based violence that has been declared an epidemic in municipalities across Canada, the rise of violent misogyny and anti-2SLGBTQQIA+ hate. Meanwhile, the Conservative party has actively undermined reproductive rights and gender affirming care, while remaining completely silent about the increase of hate against the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, with an alarming rise in violence against trans women.
It is clear that Mark Carney is focused on addressing the threat of tariffs by the Trump government. However, he has turned his back on women and gender diverse people who will be the most impacted by these tariffs. He has also made it clear to people across Canada that he does not value diversity, equity and inclusion by eliminating cabinet positions relating to seniors, the disability community, official languages, diversity, youth, and labour. We know these groups will also be the most impacted by the rapidly shifting economic and political environment. Instead of protecting these groups, he is supporting a right-wing agenda and a billionaire class that is fighting against any form of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
We need strong voices to push against this right-wing, exclusionary agenda which threatens the dignity of people across Canada. I along with my NDP colleagues, will continue to be that voice.