Since their first meeting in 1981, Ministers have met annually to examine ways to improve the status of Canadian women and to exchange information on issues such as economic security, family violence and human rights.

Minister Docherty, along with Minister Joan Burke of Newfoundland and Labrador, championed the modernization of parental benefits as much-needed support for many Canadian children and parents, in particular, women. “I was very pleased to advance the results of the widely accepted research conducted on this matter by Women’s Network PEI, Beyond the Surface: An in-Depth Review of Parental Benefits.” F/P/T Ministers agreed with Minister Docherty that it was time to take action to examine inequities in the maternity and parental benefits currently available. “This was a significant and much awaited step forward in dealing with this long-standing economic and societal issue,” said Minister Docherty. “I am honoured to initiate discussions towards change for families in our society and to further the great work done to permit mothers and fathers to participate in the workforce while realizing aspirations for raising a family.”

In addition to economic security for women, Ministers discussed the many complex issues facing Aboriginal women in Canada.

The next annual meeting of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women will take place in Manitoba in September of 2008.