Key Cabinet Positions Eliminated

Like many Canadians, I was elated to have a new Liberal leader and Prime Minister who would bring a fresh start to the government. The potential for positive change can reignite this optimism. Although work may continue within these departments, eliminating ministers for these areas could be an opportunity to restructure and improve transparency and accountability.

The decision to eliminate both the Minister for Women, Gender Equality, and Youth and the Minister for Children, Families & Social Development will weaken women's and gender rights for many people across Canada. This means crucial initiatives such as gender equality programs and youth empowerment projects may be at risk. Without the government's direct support, women, children, and youth will receive less attention and support, leading to potential setbacks in care, education, and health.

Children and youth across our country are falling behind, with Canada ranking 66th on the global Kids Rights Index. The most recent Raising Canada report from Children First Canada shows a worrying statistic: 1 in 3 children lack access to the basic conditions they need to grow up healthy, safe, and supported. This is a crisis, and we need government leadership to ensure they thrive and have the tools necessary for our future leaders.

With the ongoing mental health and addiction crisis, the elimination of the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions will worsen outcomes for all Canadians. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness. By combining these portfolios within the health ministry, there will be less of a priority on mental health and substance use with many other competing priorities.  

We are seeing a lack of commitment to young people across the country. Children and youth are our future; they will fall behind quickly without this support. Removing these key roles will devastate our communities, and Canada needs to support and promote the rights of women, youth, children, and all equity-seeking groups. As concerned citizens, we can raise our voices, advocate for these issues, and hold our government accountable for its decisions.