FEATURE   etra      INTERVIEW: by Amanda Clark Hello Amanda, I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.  As I am sure you can understand, the life of the candidate is extremely busy, but we must try to return every message received.  In turn every time I have gone to respond to your email, my computer has acted up.  Hopefully, with some luck, this one will make it through. As to your question, as a women I recognize the important role that women's shelters play in protecting women from violence and providing refuge in times of need.  In turn, I support the need for funding for organizations that promote such a worthy cause.  It would be nice to have a world where shelters were not necessary, but we can but try to continue to improve the options for women so that someday shelters can become the thing of the past.  As a Member of Parliament I would work with my parliamentary colleagues to ensure access to shelters, and to coordinate assistance with provincial and local authorities to provide protection of women from violence or abuse. I have answered you question in a more global context, as funding for shelters is not just a Maritime issue, but an important issue across the country.  I would like to think that any progress made in one part of the country could be replicated in other parts as well. If you require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me through my web site at www.bevbraaten.com Sincerely,   Bev Braaten PC Candidate Langley - Abbotsford

Around Town: This photo is from the Town of Wolfville's website.  Interview with a Candidate by Mpho Maruping  Question: If you could say anything to women across Canada to get them to come out and vote, what would it be? Answer: If you don’t come out to vote you don’t have the right to b*@#%. It’ s time to rid yourself of the myth that you’re throwing your vote away if you don’t vote for the two top parties. It’s your right vote for other parties. (Jake MacDonald, Candidate for Communist Party.) Interview with Jake MacDonald – Communist Party of Canada Candidate for Kings Hants. By Cameron Goodfellow Q. Mr. MacDonald how is the proposed changes in healthcare by your party uniquely different from those of the other parties? A. Our plan is different in three ways. We would restructure the current healthcare system. We would put more funding, more than 1993 levels into the system by taxing multinational corporations that are currently not be taxed by the government. We would put more money into a health prevention system where more awareness and education can release some of the burden on our healthcare system. Also we plan to implement a veto on the monopoly of pharmaceutical companies. Currently they have a patent on a medication and they are the only company in Canada that can sell that drug. The Liberal government did this in hopes to lower the cost of prescriptions. In the last 5 years, my increase in prescription medication has gone up 700%.  Question to Jeremy Daniels who is employed by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario by Katie Mitchell:  What issues do you think should be addressed in regards to women in the upcoming election? Answer: "Rape is a topic primarily of concern to women today.  Men generally have the luxury of living their entire lives without fear of being raped or being treated inappropriately in a sexual  manner.  This is while women often report fears and legitimate concerns of these actions being taken on them. Should women not push these issues into campaign spotlights it is likely that no one else will.  These are important issues and deserve to be given attention and thrust.  Shameful it is, but true that if women don't make these issues heard, they will go unheard." Interview with Mayor of Wolfville, Bob Stead.  By Amanda Clark Question – What should the Federal government do to ensure equality in the workforce for men and women? Answer – “Equality between men and women is enforced by legislature already, legislature itself needs to be enforced to guarantee that it works. Question – Should this be a part of the party’s campaigns or do you feel it is not a pressing issue? Answer – Equality should be a part of everyone’s campaign – whether it is federal, municipal or any other. It is a very important issue. Dr. D. Baldwin of the Acadia History Department: By Thomas Peace "As a professor in what seems to be a male dominated subject (history), do you think that the Federal Government should make some effort to include women in professions and subjects of study which are typically dominated by men?" He responded:  “The question assumes that history is a "male dominated subject." It is true that there are more males than females teaching history at university. But, it is also true that the numbers are changing. Acadia has one of the weaker affirmative action policies -- only if the male and female candidates are equal is the female given the position. At some universities every second hiring is to be a female. The answer: no. Universities will respond to the demands of their constituents, and already are.” ”When you go to the voting booths do you vote necessarily for the Candidate or the Party?” "I vote for the person I believe will do the best job in my local community, that person changes from election to election so I find it hard to follow a party” Jeff Ament, Local School Teacher “That’s a good question, I would vote for the party that I feel will help Canada as a whole the best in the upcoming years to come” Greg D. Bennett, Student at Acadia University Of the 301 MPs in the Canadian House of Commons, there were 62 women elected in 1997.  That means that women held 20% of the seats, even though they make up slightly more than half of the Canadian population.  Do you think that the ratio of genders in Canada should be reflected in the House of Commons?  If so, should parties have to elect candidates based on maintaining equal gender representation? Women should be represented to a greater degree than they are.  Ideally it should be equal, but even if there could be a way to increase the representation by women it would be better than it is now.  Obviously, if a woman and a man are possible candidates for a party and they are equally qualified, then the women should get the position to increase female representation.  But I don’t think women should be forced to run only because they are women.  If there was a man that could be the perfect representative he shouldn’t be denied the right to be a candidate so that a woman with lesser skills gets to run.  Legislation is not the answer.  Forcing equal representation of candidates isn’t democratic.  I don’t think that there should be a special set of rules to made to pacify the greater problem of solving issues related to women.  Often women get passed over in society for gaining promotions; this is the glass ceiling.  I feel that there must be other ways to get more women involved in the system, but legislation isn’t the solution. Judy Meekins Nova Scotia Museum employee      Adam Parsons interviewed a Professor at Acadia University: Question: What do you want your federal government to do?/What should be the role of the federal government?  Professor of Economics Maurice Tugwell Answer: I think that the government should use the surplus that we have recently made, in a number of different areas. Personally. the three areas should be; tax releif, restoring programs and the debt. When I mention restoring programs, I am refering to the programs that have received cuts such as the health system. Also, I would rate my feelings with the tax releif being my biggest concern and the debt being my least.  Mpho Maruping asked Wolfville business people:  1. What question would you ask your candidate in the up-coming election concerning the status of women in Canada?     Answer: How are you going to lower taxes without affecting other areas such as Medicare and education? (Bernice Berry, cashier at Muddy’s Convenience store.) 2.  What should be the role of the federal government Canadians elect on November 27th?           Answer: The government should run things that are national, defence for example, but not things like fishery. Only the west and east coasts of Canada have any fisheries at all and therefore the Provincial governments should handle them. (Richard Ward, self-employed owner of a comic shop.) Autumn Edmiston interviewed  Beverly O'Riely, Retiree, interviewed at Tim Horton's:  1) One in five women in Canada are poor (as cited from the CRIAW website).  How do you think this affects women's role in politics?            Answer: "Women are still considered to be less important than men even though there has been a lot of progress on gender inequality, so unfortunately women are not always considered to be major political figures."  2) What role would you like to see women have in the federal government?            Answer: "Women should work for the equality of all those who are discriminated against. Having been subjected to discrimination, women are able to have a better outlook on equal rights." From the Political Axe News teams'  Special Report: 1.  What issues do you think should be addressed in regards to  women in the upcoming election? “In short, I would like to see immediate financial and mentor programs for women in shelters.  I think that more funding should be put towards women shelters and more mentor programs to help women get out of these shelters, banking skills for example.  The government should also come up with a pro-active way to help women in shelters.” (Catherine Alexander, small business owner, Wolfville) Catherine also placed a big emphasis on  “tax incentives for business to hire women who are below the poverty line.” 2. Do you think there should be a number of seats allocated to  First Nations peoples in the House of Commons? Why or why not? “No, because parties should strive to have aboriginal peoples in high positions within their parties and there should also be better media coverage for aboriginal candidates.   “High ranking party officials should support aboriginal candidates more obviously so that people will see them being welcomed into the party.  When the leaders of aboriginal peoples are making their stand on land claims, there should be a party official standing off to the side to show his support. “ Also, if it is done that way there won’t be an excuse for those people  who don’t want to acknowledge the aboriginal peoples’ land claims to say,  ‘Look we’ve done this for them, so why do we need to do more?’  “There is also the fact that Canadians don’t like quotas  and they don’t want them. (Catherine Alexander) 3. What question do you have for your candidate in the upcoming federal election  about the status of women in Canada? "Well, it seems that various candidates have promised that the gap in wages  between male and female workers will be decreased.  However, it seems that this gap is increasing!  Will my candidate try and put an effort to decrease this gap or will he/she make false promises like others before him/her?"  (Bob DeWolfe, Owner of a Bookshop on Main Street)

Jen, a first year Chemistry major at Acadia, told Autumn Edmiston:
1) Do you hope that one day Canada will have a female Prime Minister that will reign in the house of Commons longer than its majority male predecessors? Why or why not?

 "No, because females get to attached to things and become overemotional which in return causes them to make bad decisions."

2) What affect do you think a female Prime Minister would have on equality issues related to all individuals who are discriminated against?

 "There is no such thing as equal rights, for example we do not let kids vote. I don't think a man or woman could achieve equal rights."

Political Axe interviewer, Fidel Castro, asked a number of different people questions:
What question do you have for your candidate in the upcoming federal election about the status of women in Canada?  Answer: Do you feel that 'affirmative action' regarding women’s status (not unlike that for minorities) promotes equal rights, or creates hostility between genders?
Margie MacNeil, Hairdresser ,Resident of Wolfville

Do you feel that 'affirmative action' regarding women's status (not unlike that for minorities) promotes equal rights, or creates hostility between genders?  "Depending on one's viewpoint, it probably does both. But we are building a Just Society and rights of women is part of that.  Thank you for your question.  Hopefully, students at Acadia are making certain they are on the voters' list. I am concerned that many young people will not get an opportunity to vote because they haven't taken steps to regisister."  Campaign to elect Dianne Brushett, 798 Prince St., Truro 

Kathleen Mitchell talked to Tegan Zimmerman, an English Acadia student in her third year. Tegan said that she thought that a comprehensive national child care program should be created because most people in lower income jobs hardly make enough to support themselves in the first place, let alone pay for child care.

Special Feature:  Questions we'd ask the candidates!

1. "There is a law allowing up to 12 months of both maternity and paternity leave. However, this law is only active in some provinces. What would you do to have this law implemented ALL provinces?" (Angela Garland, a second year student at Acadia)

2. "As someone who would describe themselves a feminist, I am wondering what you would plan to do once in office to help create pay equity in corporate Canada for men and women?" 
(Nick Pearl, a 3rd year Kinesiology Major)

3. “When are laws going to be made to insure that women are paid the same as men in equal work positions?” (Nathan Patstone a 4th year English student)

4. Do you feel that it is important to have some form of daycare facility in the workplace so that women more women can venture into the workforce? Why or why not?

5. Seniors that are at the greatest disadvantage economically are unattached women, meaning those women that have not been married.  What do you plan to do with regards to the Canadian Pension Plan to ensure security to these women? 

6. Should the number of Ministers in each province be equally divided amongst women and men? Should it be the Premier's job to make sure this is done?

7. What are your intentions, if any, to eliminate the problem of pay equality for women and men? Will you take any actions to see to equality in the work place?

8. Do you and/or your party have intentions to support medical research funds like Breast Cancer and other female related diseases? If not why, and if so which ones and what kinds of contributions?

9. If elected, what will you do to help bring an end to violence against women in the home? Will more support groups and financial help be available to those who leave an abusive environment?

10. Do you feel that 'affirmative action' regarding women’s status (not unlike that for minorities) promotes equal rights, or creates hostility between genders?

11. Should aboriginals be self-governed, and what is their role in Federal politics?

12. Will a new government allow for a greater role of women in Parliament? 

13.Is privatisation of healthcare beneficial to Canadians? 

14. What are your plans for the budget relating to education?

15.Given the lack of resources allocated to social programs, such as those pertaining to violence against women and poverty, does debt reduction have the priority once did? 

16.Should family allowance be increased in correlation with the increase of living expenses?

17.If you were to be elected would you see that more funds would be allotted to research for Breast Cancer and other female dominated diseases?

18.What action do you plan to take towards the equality of women and what actions do you think it will take before this level of equilibrium is reached?

19.What is your opinion on the increase of tuition in Canadian Universities?

20.Will more subsidies and grants be available for women who either
a) want to open a small business or
b) already have a small business and want to expand

21.Why do men and women have different income levels when they perform the same job? And what would this representative do about this problem? (Catheryn Skelhorn Third year Nutrition)

22. Breast cancer is among the leading causes of death for Canadian women.  What is your party’s position on research and development for a cure, and current treatment of this disease and others affecting women?
 
 

Week Two  CanWIN e-2ooo  Interviews:

This week's question:  "Why should, or why shouldn't, the next Government of Canada, create a comprehensive national child care program?"

Allison Fuisz asked Tyler Broda, an Acadia Business Student.    In Tyler's view, "The government should create a comprehensive child care system.  This isone case where privatization does work.  With the increasing need for child care services that comes along with the increasing role of women in the work force, child care becomes an essential part of the infastructure.  Why would the government spend $500 million on highways or put huge money into the development of our resources when in fact children are our most precious resource.  It is important to note that without government subsides, day cares cannot afford to pay their staff more than the basic minimum.  This leads to high staff turnover as well as less quality than employees which potentially sacrifice the children's future and our future."

Adam Parsons interviewed Jamie White (1st Year Computer Science Student), who responded:
" In comparison to the High Costing school systems that we have placed in Canada, I feel we should spend more money on health care and create a comprehensive health care system.  If some parents are working they should be able to have their children taken care of for a certain period of time during the day.  Whereas, if they are unemployed, they should be able to care for them on thier own.   For children to be taken care at a young age should be essential, up until they come into an age where they can attend school."

Amanda Clark discovered that Maureen Mclean, an Acadia University student, thinks that "they should because it is in their best interest to support children as they are the future voters. This would also allow both men and women to enter the workforce and at the same time it will allow people living on welfare a chance to work without worrying about paying for childcare."

Peter Davidson, a first year Engineering student, was interviewed by Elizabeth Doyle.  Peter's view is that “The Canadian government should create a comprehensive child care program to help the single mothers and more importantly, to help the poverty stricken children.  If a child-care program were put in place, there would be fewer homeless children and more children growing up to lead productive lives.  If this program helps children to lead productive lives, then their children in turn grow up to lead productive lives.  Once a generation is on the right track, then it’s that much easier to keep following generations on the right track.”

Sarah Henshaw, a 3rd year political science and history major, told Angela Lundrigan that "The government SHOULD create a national child care program to ensure equal rights for women by giving them easier access to employment opportunities.  It would also cut down on the child care operations which do not meet government standards."
 
 
 
 
 

Week One  CanWIN e-2ooo  Interviews:

Craig Burton asked Mike, a second year Engineering Student at Acadia:  "What question do you have for your candidate in the upcoming federal election about the status of women in Canada?"  Mike offered the following question: "How would you go about creating gender equality in the workforce?"  Mike also stated:  "Housewives are not paid.  They should be compensated for their work!"

Jennifer Budgell asked Aidan Inglis, a 2nd year Bachelor of Business Administration Student, who offered the following question:  "Do you think that there is inequality in the workforce amongst men and women for higher paid jobs, and if there is, do you think that you can make it equal?"

Omri Harrison asked Lorna, a  Retired School Teacher.  She thinks Canadians should ask the following question to their candidates: "What assistance would you be prepared to give to single mothers to enable them to become fully employed?"

Sean, a fourth year Business Student, stated:  "There is a lot of lip service surrounding the issue of the rights and status of women, but how do you advocate women in the workplace when maternity leave policies pale in comparison to our neighbours in the States?"

Katherine Burns, asked Anne Sedgwick, a 4th year Political Science / History Major, what question she would ask a candidate.  Anne stated:  "How can you encourage more young women to become more actively involved in politics?"

Katie Mitchell interviewed Ashley Brown (student), who said, "it's obvious that women in Canada since post WW2 have become better educated, climbed the ladder in business management and career status and have proved to be extremely creative in the arts. However many women are still underpaid and are victim to sexual harassment in the work place...what will you as a leader so to ensure a safe work environment and equal pay for women in Canada?"

Allison Fuisz interviewed Todd, a former Acadia Business Student, who stated:  "I believe womens rights would progress faster if more males took courses in university that taught about women. However, the names attached to these courses often deter the male sex from taking part.  Would you encourage the appropriate people in our society to the the 'labelling' of these courses to promote the advancement of women's rights?"

Autumn Edmiston learned that  Maresa Moyles, a first year Acadia University student, wanted to ask a candidate: "With the cost of education being as high as it is, why are there not more funding opportunities available to women?"

Nathan Orman posed the following question: "What do you think is the main health concern amongst aboriginal women in Canada today. What would you present as a possible solution to this particular health problem?"  He interviewed Heather H. of Halifax, who responded:  "I think most likely things like birth control and teenage pregnancy would be a concern with aboriginals today. Perhaps with increased education like they did in public schools they could try to wait longer in having children and get their education first. That way they would be better able to have a more productive life for themselves and their child. However, it may be socially acceptable to have children at their age, and that's the problem with trying to get rid of teenage pregnant."

Greg Smith asked Laura Gray, a second year Arts major undeclared, what question she wanted to ask a canadidated.  She replied:  "What is your policy, on the lower pay wages for those women who are engaging in the same work as men of equal employment?"

When Jennifer Hamilton asked Hannah Smeby, a second year History Major, what question she would pose to a candidate, she replied: "Why are women paid less than men in government positions when the law says women should receive equal pay; it was the government that made the law, so shouldn't they follow them?" 
 

"In most cases the woman is the parent who stays home with the newborn child. What are your plans to create a pension program for stay at home parents?" 
(Jonathan Sydney, 1st year student)