I am concerned by reports that your government has passed and is implementing legislation and policies that appear to be, or have been deemed to be, in contravention of international agreements to which Canada is a signatory.

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its Draft Report dated 31 January 2003, singled out the province of British Columbia for criticism as a result of changes to legislation and policies that have had a disproportionate negative effect on women.

The Committee specifically called on the Government of British Columbia to review recent changes and cuts for their negative impact on women, and to amend legislation and policy as necessary. I ask you to put this review in place.

The International Labour Organization has found that six laws enacted by your government, pertaining to the right to strike and collective bargaining, or to freedom of association, are in violation of rights guaranteed under UN conventions. The ILO recommended that the laws be amended, and in one case, repealed, in order to comply with the conventions to which Canada is a signatory.

Finally, the changes to the rules governing eligibility for social assistance (B.C. Employment and Assistance Act, BC Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act) will have a negative impact on people on social assistance and people with disabilities. These changes are in contravention of Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other Articles of that Covenant. The Covenant guarantees the rights of everyone to education; adequate preventive health measures and health care; adequate food, clothing and shelter; social assistance and social services when in need; fair and safe working conditions; and fair opportunities to obtain and have work. Canada has ratified the Covenant.

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