DiNovo’s motion to incorporate gender lens in Ontario budgets passes second reading

NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo’s motion to require the Ontario government to incorporate an intersectional gender equity perspective in the 2017-18 budget, and all future budgets, passed second reading today. 

“This week, we celebrated 100 years of women first being able to vote in Ontario. Celebration is hollow if funding doesn't follow,' said DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park. “Our budgets need to be equitable for women. It will ensure the prosperity of all Ontarians, especially those facing systemic disadvantage.”

Last week, DiNovo tabled the motion with the support of Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam (Ward 27).  She was the sponsor of two similar motions passed at City Hall.  DiNovo was also supported by former Senator from Toronto, Nancy Ruth, and Leila Sarangi from Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke, a women’s shelter and community resource centre.

Budgets with women’s lens are in place in jurisdictions around the world, including the European Union, Sweden, South Africa, Iceland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Without it, women can be left at a serious disadvantage. A women’s lens on the budget will tackle issues like the wage gap, underrepresentation of women in board positions and overrepresentation of women in low-wage precarious jobs, and the continued failure on issues like affordable childcare.

“I am pleased that we have taken one step forward to achieving a more equitable budget for women,” said DiNovo. “This has long been overdue.”