PROGRESS ON ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EQUALITY ISSUES

Released on March 24, 2005

The provincial government today reported on progress made in addressing women's equality issues in Saskatchewan releasing the first Progress Report on the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Women.

"The progress we have made on a wide variety of initiatives demonstrates this government's commitment to women's equality," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Deb Higgins said. "We will continue working in partnership with the women's community to identify key policy directions and priority actions."

Highlights of the Progress Report include:

· Child Care Saskatchewan, introduced in 2003, is on schedule to meet its four-year goal of 1,200 new child care spaces.

· The new HomeFirst strategy is underway with 693 new affordable housing units completed or under construction at the end of 2004.

· Access to women health care providers has improved significantly in rural and remote areas of the province with the addition of 40 licensed Registered Nurses (Nurse Practitioners) since April 2004.

· The government has proclaimed 2005 the "Year of First Nations and Métis Women in Saskatchewan".

The Progress Report will form the basis of a review of progress on the actions committed to in the Action Plan. The review will be initiated at the upcoming Women's Forum scheduled in Regina on April 6th, 2005.

"The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Women is an evolving process. It is a framework that is being reviewed and revised regularly, as a means to measure progress and to direct government in meeting the needs of a changing society," Higgins said.

The Action Plan was released in October 2003. The Progress Report covers the period October 2003 – December 2004.

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For More Information, Contact:

Corinne Bokitch Labour - Status of Women Office Regina Phone: (306) 787-7423