Make Opposition to Women's Services Cuts Known

The chair of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women is encouraging concerned Nova Scotians to contact their elected representatives about cuts to women's shelters.

"We were totally shocked by the decision to cut $890,000 from the budgets of transition houses, women's centres and men's treatment programs", said advisory council chair Rita Warner. "And once a decision like this is announced in a budget, it's a major challenge to get a reversal."

The advisory council urges all concerned Nova Scotians to express their opinions on the situation.

"The council's position is clear: the cuts should be reversed," said Ms. Warner.

Nova Scotians can make their views and voices heard in any of several ways. They can call their MLA, e-mail or write to Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services, or contact the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

The advisory council's toll-free number is 1-800-565-8662; the e-mail address is nsacsw@gov.ns.ca . Messages received will be passed on to the appropriate ministers, and the council will keep the media informed as well.

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women will express its views to the Minister of Community Services directly at a meeting on Wednesday, April 17, and hopes to reinforce its message through widespread community support for maintenance of funding for transition houses, women's centres and men's treatment programs.