TWCA surveyed candidates for City Council regarding support for a Women’s Equalities Office at City Hall. Candidates were asked if they are willing to support the following:
PETITION IN SUPPORT OF A WOMEN’S EQUALITIES OFFICE AT CITY HALL
We, the undersigned women and men of Toronto, recognize that systemic discrimination continues to affect women and girls in Toronto. Following the example of cities in Europe and the USA, we support the establishment and resourcing of a Toronto Women’s Equalities Office. This office will hold the responsibility to ensure that the City of Toronto addresses and meets the diverse needs of women and girls, with respect for their racial, cultural, linguistic, age, economic, education, abilities and sexual diversity. These needs will be reflected in the City’s policies and all associated activities, including urban planning, housing, recreation, safety, transportation, health, community services, economic development and political participation.
The Women’s Equalities Office will have a mandate to:
• Monitor services for women and girls in their homes and communities by consulting with women on a regular basis
• Recommend policies to City Council and divisional implementation plans that address systemic gender discrimination in organizational and community policies and practices
• Prepare an annual report card that measures the City’s progress in achieving women’s equality
The following candidates pledged their support:
Joe Mihevc
Kristyn Wong-Tam
Janet Davis
Mary Fragedakis
Shelley Carroll
Sarah Doucette
Mike Layton
Paula Fletcher
Robert Spencer
Michael Galea
Jolene Hunt
David Blackmore
Samuel Novak
Ishrath Velshi
Nikola Streker
Mary Hynes
Michael Monaghan
Amarjeet Chhabra
Miguel Avila
Russ Ford
Joy Robertson
Paul Bocking
Saeed Selvam
Joe Cressy
Eduardo Harari
Terri Chu
Andray Domise
Everett Sheppard
Josh Matlow
Aaron Turnball
Peggy Moulder
Frank Di Giorgio
The following mayoral candidates have also indicated their support for a Women’s Equalities Office:
Ari Goldkind
Stephen Lam
D!ONNE Renee
Ram Narula
Michael Nikula