(TORONTO, ON) Women across Ontario are joining the global march for equality on Saturday, January 19, demanding change from the Ontario government. Women march to bring awareness to the changes needed to build a safer, more inclusive Ontario. Women are sending a clear message to policymakers that “We will not go back.” There are more than 18 marches scheduled across the province.
“Women demand equality. That means pay equity, publicly funded child care, decent work, an end to racism and hate, and an end to domestic and sexual violence. This government wants to roll back women’s rights, but we are not going back,” said Ontario Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer Patty Coates. “We are marching to show the Power of Many. Women are coming together to say yes to equal rights at work, at home, and in law, and yes to working together to win them.”
This past summer, the government shut down the expert panel on ending violence against women. Last month, the government passed Bill 57, cancelling the slated January 1 start of the Pay Transparency Act, 2018. It recently introduced Bill 66, which if passed, will remove a number of laws and regulations that support women’s equality, including changes to child care regulations and work laws.
“Women know that when we come together and push for change, we can win,” said Coates. “Women are 50 per cent of the voters in this province. It’s time for the government to meet our demands.”
“Women and men and gender nonconforming people, Indigenous and immigrants, of diverse faiths, abilities and ages – are all deserving of equality, justice, freedom, and inclusion,” said Coates. “We will continue to amplify these principals using education, mobilization, dialogue, engagement and collective action today, on International Women’s Day, and beyond.”
The OFL encourages everyone to download the petition demanding the government reverse course, withdraw Bill 66 and restore all programs and laws that support women’s equality. It can be downloaded here in English or en français. To sign the online petition, click here.
The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers, advocating for the rights of unionized and non-unionized workers. Follow the OFL on Facebook, or on Twitter @OFLabour.
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For more information:
Meagan Perry
Director of Communications
Ontario Federation of Labour
mperry@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com | 416-894-3456
