As women leaders of the Agriculture Union, we believe in upholding the values, privileges, and fundamental rights that the women before us have so strongly fought for and won. We continue the fight for the advancement and empowerment of women in not only our union, but also our local communities, workplaces and the policies that shape our country. To that effect, we are very concerned about the attack on Women’s reproductive rights happening south of the border. We are appalled that this could be allowed to happen and concerned that the attack on the rights of women and 2SLGBTQA+ people could spread to Canada if unchecked.
If the Roe v. Wade decision is overturned in the United States, this is not only a major blow for reproductive rights, but also an attack on the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people through anti-trans and anti-abortion legislation. Marginalized members of the community- especially in the Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities – already struggle with access, socioeconomic status, and face barriers navigating the health care system without needing this additional burden.
We must let our Provincial, Territorial, and Federal governments know that this cannot be allowed to happen in Canada. The government must be held accountable to protect the rights of women and gender minorities.
We must use our space and voices as strong union and social justice activists to let our governments know they must protect the fundamental reproductive rights of women and continue to support the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. All Canadians must have access to the reproductive health services that they need.
We call on the PSAC to lobby our governments in support of reproductive health rights and join our voice in support of universal, equitable access to universal reproductive health care, including access to abortion services. We further encourage The Alliance Executive Committee (AEC), the National Board of Directors (NBoD), Component leaders and all members of the PSAC to write the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to voice your concerns: minister-ministre@swc-cfc.gc.ca
In solidarity,
Christine Austin, RVP, Eastern British Columbia
Sherry Hunt, RVP, Southern Alberta
Jannick Beaurivage, RVP, Eastern Quebec
Tammy Carter, RVP, Western Atlantic
Audrey St. Germain, 4th NEVP
Dorothy McRae, 3rd NEVP