NL NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary (St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi) was in the House of Assembly today asking questions on key issues facing women in our province ahead of International Women’s Day this weekend.
O’Leary began by trying to nail down a date when the PC government will redo the poor pay equity legislation that was brought forward by the former government that was lacking any consultations from women’s groups, unions, and advocates. She says that this was something in the PC platform, and it can’t be delayed any longer.
Speaker, this weekend we celebrate International Women’s Day. I am encouraged that, while in opposition and in their platform, this government committed to redoing pay equity legislation and undertaking meaningful consultations – something clearly absent from the current legislation. We cannot delay this any further.”
“When will we see this new legislation, and when will those meaningful consultations begin?” O’Leary asked the Minister.
Along with concerns on pay equity, O’Leary asked government about the increase in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and how it is impacting families, and our communities. On the heels of all NL party leaders joining together in support of Georgina’s Law, O’Leary says it’s time we use the language necessary when talking about IPV.
“Speaker, we know that language drives action. Families and communities across this province are being devastated by the continuing growth of intimate partner violence in our province, so let’s call it what it is: an epidemic,” said O’Leary.
“I ask the Minister: will this government formally declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and commit to the concrete, meaningful action required to address it?”