WHEREAS access to community-based services and support is essential to promoting equality and protecting the health, safety and social conditions of women; AND WHEREAS organizations and individuals work in our communities and municipalities across British Columbia to support women, gender equality and an end to violence against women and children; AND WHEREAS the BC provincial government has stated that the interest of women and gender equality will be brought about through economic security and by improving personal safety and security in our communities; AND WHEREAS poverty persists and is growing among elderly women living alone, female lone parents, Aboriginal women, women of colour, immigrant women and women with disabilities; AND WHEREAS the BC provincial government has affected BCs entire network of womens centres by cutting legal aid, welfare, Aboriginal, domestic and violence services, health care and social assistance, community health services, home support and home care; AND WHEREAS the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women CEDAW in its Canada 5th Report cited the BC Liberal Government for its sweeping programme of cuts that disproportionately impact BC women and girls: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities call upon the provincial government to immediately restore funding for vital services and programs to protect the health, safety and livelihoods of BC women; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities work with all levels of municipal, provincial and federal governments to advance womens equality and correct adverse social conditions in order to end gender discrimination and achieve womens equality in British Columbia.
