Women

HALIFAX—In an historic move, the Nova Scotia government has taken a leadership role in the awareness and prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) declaring IPV an epidemic. The passing of legislation the same day it was tabled is both a symbolic and tangible demonstration of the ability of government to focus fully to protect and support Nova Scotians.

Nearly 400 women gathered at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, ON, for a three-day conference packed with informative, emotional, and inspiring speakers and sessions.

The centre itself is a hub for empowering women and Unifor Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey shared how her experiences attending a Women’s Conferences led to her running for office – and winning as a federal MP –– and to her current role in the union where she strives to help other sisters rise to their potential.

The work of Unifor women members in Ontario received special recognition at two separate events for their work to raise awareness on issues of intimate partner violence (IPV), and for their outstanding grassroots work advocating for women’s rights, social justice and the environment.

Unifor has donated a $300,000 grant to Sheridan, Durham, Fanshawe, and St. Clair Colleges towards a new initiative to support women in the Skilled Trades.

Unifor marks December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day, we solemnly remember the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre when 14 women were killed on their Montreal campus, and all lives tragically lost to gender-based violence, and we recommit to the ongoing battle against this pervasive and deeply unjust violence.

Increasingly, women are stepping forward to lead in their workplaces and local unions. Taking on the role of Women’s Advocate, as stewards and recording secretaries, and as Local President means there is better representation through every level of Unifor.

The following is an interview with Early Childhood Educator Lisa Gentile about the state of child care and what motivates her in her work. Lisa is a longtime worker at Town Day Care in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and a member of Unifor Local 4600.

Unifor thanks Lisa and every Early Childhood Educator for the work they do to care for and educate children, and to enable more parents to work outside the home.

Unifor: What has it been like for you to see the roll-out of the Federal Early Learning and Child Care plan in Nova Scotia?