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