To close the gender gap, Ontario needs to invest in childcare

May 16, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the release of the Financial Accountability Office’s report on Women in the Workforce

“Although decades of feminist advocacy have made great gains when it comes to women’s participation in the workforce, it’s clear that Ontario has so much further to go.

Today’s FAO report shines a bright light on the inequities embedded in our workforce. It’s clear that our province is still failing women, especially mothers.

Women should not have to accept a decline in wages simply for taking parental leave. They shouldn’t be underrepresented in management positions and overrepresented in part-time work.

Fortunately, there are clear solutions to close the gender gap. But in order to get there, we need a government willing to invest.

We need to invest in hiring and retaining childcare workers – which will not happen without fair wages and safe working conditions – to ensure there are enough childcare spaces in every corner of the province.

And we need to uphold our end of the bargain to ensure $10-a-day childcare is available to all families in Ontario.

Ontario needs an equitable labour market. And to get there, we must guarantee affordable and accessible childcare.”

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