The Atlantic ministers responsible for the status of women wrapped up a day-long meeting in Quispamsis after discussing various women’s issues. The meeting was chaired by Health Minister Mary Schryer, who is also the minister responsible for the status of women.
The ministers said they were pleased to have had the chance to explore opportunities of co-operation on women’s issues specific to Atlantic Canada. “It is important that we meet, as Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, to collaborate on ways to enhance the lives of women in Atlantic Canada,” says Hon. Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women in Prince Edward Island.
The ministers unanimously stated that this inaugural collaboration will result in positive advancements on issues of concern to women in the Atlantic region.
Among various topics of discussion, the issue of human trafficking with a focus on live-in caregivers was the main issue for discussion. After having shared each other’s respective realities on the issue, the ministers asked their officials to work collectively to find ways to protect live-in caregivers through their existing regulatory bodies with the goal of achieving consistency among the provinces.
The ministers shared information relevant to sex trade workers in their respective provinces. They agreed to work jointly toward an education initiative targeting children, youth and parents on the associated risks and trends related to social media.
During the information sharing session, the ministers had an opportunity to provide their counterparts with an update on the individual initiatives undertaken in respect to advancing the status of Aboriginal women including a discussion on the issue of violence against Aboriginal women. They reiterated their support towards the Iqaluit declaration and agreed to explore opportunities of co-operation to improve the lives of Aboriginal women in Atlantic Canada.