Council Encourages Action Towards Prosperity

The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women supports many of the principles outlined in the government's Towards Prosperity paper, but would like to see more action on economic issues that affect women.

Chair Patricia Doyle-Bedwell said the council is encouraged to see the government refer to support for community economic development, improving the quality of jobs and better access to education and skills.

"These are issues the council has pushed for for years," said Ms. Doyle-Bedwell. "Now we see the principles on paper, we'd like to hear how the government plans to accomplish them."

The council has presented its comments on the discussion paper in a report to government. The report is called Including Women and contains a number of suggestions on how women can be included in new policy direction.

"If the government wants to see a better trained and employed workforce, it has to provide better support to people such as single mothers, women with disabilities and others who need access to training and better paying jobs," said Ms. Doyle- Bedwell. "That means continuing to support child care and providing more money for good training."

The council also recommended that the government remove the barriers for all Nova Scotians, no matter their age, so they can get a basic Grade 12 education.

Ms. Doyle-Bedwell said social policies and family friendly workplaces play a role in improving the quality of jobs and encouraging women's participation in the economy. She said that role should be recognized and such policies promoted.

The Advisory Council also suggested that an economic strategy should not be developed in isolation from a social policy framework.