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Women's Network PEI Newsletter Article: November/December 2004
Submitted by Michelle Genge-Harris
Quite a bit has happened over the past couple of months for the Parental Benefits Project, including a very important decision that was made. On August 30th, the Advisory Council for the Project held a teleconference for a progress report. It was decided by consensus that representatives from the project will go to Ottawa to give recommendations rather than gather them. It was noted that we are dealing with two audiences: politicians and bureaucrats. There would be more strength to the Ottawa visit if we had our recommendations in place before we met with anyone on a national level. This means that the Ottawa trip that we were planning on organizing for Winter 2004 will be rescheduled for Spring 2005.
This is an easy project for people to get excited about. Everyone who I speak with agrees that changes must be made to the system to make it more equitable for all women and children. Now we have to start asking the big questions for our Ottawa trip.
Who do we speak with?
What are the policies that need to be changed?
When is the best time to speak with our national leaders?
Where should we start?
Why should politicians listen to our recommendations?
How can we make it available to all women?
How can we change the system so that it is more accessible for parents and their babies?
Trips are always exhilarating for me. Going to new (or even familiar) places are a way to breathe new air and gather new experiences. The Ottawa Trip that is being planned for this Spring is especially thrilling because of it's awesome possibilities. This trip has the potential to change the system for the better. We will be planting the seeds that could enable more women to take advantage of the Parental Benefits Program. How exciting!
If you have any recommendations that you feel could improve the current Parental Benefits program, please contact me at wnpei@wnpei.org. I look forward to hearing from you!
Women's Network Office
located at 40 Enman Crescent, in Charlottetown
mailing address:
P.O. Box 233,
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7K4
phone: (902) 368-5040
fax: (902) 368-5039
e-mail:
wnpei@wnpei.org