Mandate

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women was created for the first time in the 38th Parliament in 2004. While this is the first Standing Committee on the Status of Women, a Subcommittee on the Status of Women (under the Committee on Health and Welfare, Social Affairs, Seniors and the Status of Women) existed during the 34th Parliament.

Under Standing Order 108(1), the House of Commons refers matters to the Committee for examination and report. This Order also authorizes the Committee to create subcommittees to focus on particular subjects. Standing Order 108(2) gives the Committee broad authority to study the policies, programs, expenditures and legislation of departments and related agencies, including the Status of Women Canada, relating to the status of women.

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women has undertaken several studies since its creation and presented the following reports:

39th Parliament, Session 1

• Matrimonial Real Property Rights on Reserves
• Turning Outrage into Action to Address Trafficking for the Purpose of Sexual Exploitation in Canada
• The Impacts of Funding and Program Changes at Status of Women Canada
• Improving the Economic Security of Women: Time to Act

38th Parliament

• Increasing Funding to Equality-Seeking Organizations
• Gender-Based Analysis: Building Blocks for Success
• Funding Through the Women’s Program: Women’s Groups Speak Out
• Moving Forward on the Pay Equity Task Force Recommendations
• Interim Report on the Maternity and Parental Benefits under Employment Insurance: the Exclusion of Self-Employed Workers