February 15, 2021 – Brampton -

MP Sonia Sidhu has been a strong voice on The Standing Committee on the Status of Women, proudly serving as Vice-Chair. She has been vocal about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women, working with colleagues and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality to take strong action on this issue. 

Last week, Minister Monsef announced new federal Feminist Response and Recovery funding, with the call for proposals open now. This funding opportunity will provide $100 million for projects helping those in greatest need. The funding will allow recipient organizations to launch new projects or scale-up past projects that increase women and girls' participation in Canada’s economic, social, democratic and political life.

In the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, MP Sonia Sidhu has heard first-hand from Canadian women about the struggles they are facing. Those who have faced job losses, reduced hours of work, and even violence. Federal pandemic response measures will continue to focus on helping Canadians in vulnerable situations, including women and gender-diverse communities.

This announcement builds on commitments in the 2020 Speech from the Throne to create an Action Plan for Women in the Economy and move forward on a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system. The Feminist Response and Recovery funding will support organizations that work to end violence against women and girls, that invest in their economic security, and that empower women leaders.

For more information on the plan, including a breakdown of the programs and funding, please visit the Status of Women Canada website.

Quotes:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on women and financial hardships have not been the only consequence. Our Federal Government will always be there to support local; regional and national efforts to end gender-based violence and support women and girls. This work is critical as we work to improve the realities of and create opportunities for women in Canada. As Vice-Chair of the Status of Women Committee, I will continue to advocate for women in our Government’s post-COVID-19 recovery response.” — Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South