Alberta

Introduction

706. This report covers the period of January 1, 1991 to March 31, 1994.

707. Alberta remains committed to enhancing the opportunities of women. Under current fiscal restraint and budget cuts, the Alberta government will continue to focus on ensuring that all Albertans have the opportunity to participate fully and actively in the economic, social and cultural life of the province and in the decision making process that affect their well-being.

Article 2(e): Equality

708. The Alberta government will continue to develop appropriate government policies, programs and legislation affecting women. As a part of its three-year business plan, Alberta Community Development has listed "the heightened and improved participation of individuals (defined in terms of gender and cultural or racial origin) in the social and economic life of Alberta" as an expected result to be achieved by 1996-97. This will be measured by a base line study to establish current status, and by tracking and evaluating the relative changes in the participation rates of women in the economic and social life of the province.

709. Alberta has conducted a public review of its human rights legislation, the Individuals Rights Protection Act, which governs human rights protection in Alberta, and the Human Rights Commission which administers the Act. Public hearings have been held across the province. As part of this review, communities were encouraged to become involved. Two workshops on human rights and women's issues were held and proceedings from these workshops were considered for the final report and recommendations, due in July 1994.

710. In 1993, gender-related issues, such as pregnancy and sexual harassment, increased as a proportion of total inquiries made to the Human Rights Commission to more than 50 percent.

711. Through its education program, the Human Rights Commission focuses on equity and fairness in employment. The Commission works in partnership with various organizations to address issues as related to women.

Article 2 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 3: Appropriate measures in the political and economic fields

712. The Women's Policy and Programs Unit within Alberta Community Development acts as a catalyst and consultant within government to ensure that women's perspectives are considered in the development of government policies, programs and legislation.

713. It co-ordinated work in 1991-92 and in the last year (1992-93) of the four-year Alberta Plan for Action for Women. This initiative was established to generate government action on issues of concern to women in the areas of employment, education and training, family, health and the public service.

714. The Alberta Advisory Council on Women's Issues is a citizen's advisory body consisting of a chairperson and up to 14 members. Appointments are made by Order in Council. The Alberta Advisory Council on Women's Issues Act mandates the Council to advise and report to the Alberta Government on matters relating to the opportunity for full and equal participation of Alberta women in the life of the Province by: identifying issues of concern to women that may be addressed by government; making recommendations to government on these issues; consulting with and providing information to the public; and carrying out other activities the Minister considers appropriate.

Article 3 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 4.1: Temporary special measures

715. Since 1990, the Alberta Multiculturalism Commission has sponsored a Managing Diversity symposium. Employment equity, human rights, discrimination, and barriers in the workplace are some of the relevant women's issues addressed at past symposia.

716. The Alberta government has in place an Access/Managing Diversity program, which assists public institutions, businesses, industries, and organizations to develop operations and services that are available and appropriate to the needs of all Albertans. The ultimate objective is to dismantle visible and invisible barriers which hamper the full social and economic participation of non-dominant groups. The Managing Diversity process also incorporates the objectives of employment equity. It goes beyond recruitment towards the objectives of a representative workforce.

717. The Alberta government is taking proactive steps as an employer with programs to support female employees. During the reporting report, the Personnel Administration Office developed initiatives related to balancing work and family responsibilities including two symposia for employees.

Article 4 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 5(a): Elimination of stereotypes

718. The Alberta government's Stepping Stones Role Model Program, co-ordinated by Women's Policy and Programs, promotes the idea that career choice is not a gender-linked decision and introduces the notion that every career is an option for women as well as men. Stepping Stones provides role models who work in non-traditional occupations as well as a full range of resource materials to junior and senior high schools throughout Alberta.

719. In 1991, Alberta Career Development and Employment (now called Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development) facilitated a workshop to increase employee awareness of gender differences in the workplace. The workshop was presented to four other government departments.

Article 5 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 7: Political and public life

Article 7 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 10: Education

720. Each year, the Alberta government provides up to 20 Persons Case Scholarships to post-secondary students (mostly women) whose studies contribute to the advancement of women, or whose work is in fields where members of their gender are few.

721. The Women's Secretariat Grant Program provides limited financial assistance for short-term education projects such as conferences, workshops and seminars on issues of special concern to women. Non-profit women's groups and other non-profit organizations or community groups can apply for funding.

Article 10(a)

722. Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development approves for implementation at public post-secondary institutions only those academic programs that are available equally to all adults, and continues to monitor enrolments and graduates by gender.

Article 10(c)

723. Changes in the high school science curriculum which address issues of science in a social setting have proved successful in attracting more girls to high school science classes. Examples for changes in the structure have included an in-service for teachers which focuses on encouraging young women to continue studying science and using textbooks which provide many examples of positive role models for young women.

Article 10(d)

724. In addition to regular loan, grant, scholarship and bursary programs for students, Alberta offers the Maintenance Grant Assistance Program, established to ensure that students with special needs have the opportunity to acquire undergraduate degrees. Students considered for these grants are those who do not have normal prospects of completing their education without assistance in addition to that provided under other programs, e.g. single parents.

725. The Skill Development Grant allows that normal academic limits may be exceeded based on student's financial need. Single parents are the primary recipients.

Article 10(g)

726. Alberta Community Development understands that the topic of girls and women in sport deserves special attention and believes that girls and women have the right to a full and equal range of opportunities as participants, competitors and leaders in sport in Alberta. The Ministry is currently developing strategies to address the issue of female participation in sport.

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Article 11: Employment

727. The Alberta government has a clear policy against sexual harassment for its employees. It will not tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace and has in place a Sexual Harassment Training Program which consists of a half-day training module that deals with employees' questions and issues in this area.

728. The Alberta Human Rights Commission investigates sexual harassment complaints under gender, disseminates material on sexual harassment, provides speakers on sexual harassment and assists organizations in establishing sexual harassment policy.

729. The Alberta government offers employees a variety of courses, three of which are pertinent to women: Creating and Managing Supportive and Flexible Work Environments; Lifelong Caring for Self and Others; and a Wellness Program.

Article 11.1

730. In 1993, a statistical profile was prepared by Women's Policy and Programs to provide an overview of labour force characteristics, eduction characteristics and income levels of women in Alberta. This document is available to the public and government departments.

731. A Women in Business Directory containing a database of 2,100 names is distributed throughout Alberta. It was printed as a networking tool and has been very successful. Alberta Economic Development and Tourism has a full-time "Women in Business Home Based Coordinator", who provides education, information and advocacy for women in business with a strong emphasis on home based business.

732. During the reporting period, direct government operating grants to day care centres were gradually reduced and the savings were used to increase financial benefits for low income families requiring child care. Single parent families headed by mothers were the main beneficiaries of the increased benefits.

Article 11.1(c)

733. In March 1991, Alberta Career Development and Employment published a workshop manual and Leader's Guide, entitled Children, Challenges and Choices: Single Moms Planning for Tomorrow, to provide pre-career planning groundwork for single young mothers who are social assistance recipients, to assist them in bridging to career planning and ultimately to greater independence. The workshop is currently delivered through local career development centres located across the province.

734. In April 1991, Alberta Career Development and Employment updated and republished its statistical report on women in Alberta, entitled Women in the Labour Market, and in Education and Training Programs in Alberta. The Department also surveyed the needs of Alberta women who were seeking employment, to identify what sectors of the target population are most in need and what publications would best serve their needs.

735. In 1993, Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development produced a statistical profile, entitled Part-time Employment Trends in Alberta 1975-1992, to serve as an information piece for career development officers and other government departments.

Article 11.1(d)

736. Alberta Labour has produced a comprehensive booklet for women entitled Retirement Planning, A Guide for Women. This guide outlines the key steps to retirement planning.

Article 11.2

737. In 1992, the Alberta Court of Appeal upheld an earlier Board of Inquiry decision that pregnant employees were entitled to be treated like sick employees for the "health-related portion" of an absence during pregnancy, including the post-delivery period. Therefore, they are entitled to sickness benefits during the health related portion of their leave.

Article 11 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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Article 12: Health care

738. In April 1992, the Meeting of Directors' Task Group on Sexual Health completed an Implementation Review of the Sexual Health Programs in health units which highlighted the need for service and ongoing education opportunities for those working with sexual health programming.

739. The Alberta government supported a three-day western Canadian conference entitled "Communicating About Sexuality: Facing the Challenges", which took place in March 1994. The primary objective of the conference was to enhance knowledge and provide an update for those working in the area of sexual and reproductive health on current research, knowledge and skills in the areas of sexual health education, counselling and clinical services.

740. The Alberta government is moving to include midwives as one of the providers women can access for publicly funded maternity services. In 1992, midwifery was recognized as a profession in Alberta under the Health Disciplines Act. Recently, the Midwifery Regulations Advisory Committee produced a draft report outlining registration requirements and scope of practice. The government anticipates that Albertans will have fully regulated access to the services of midwives by the Spring of 1995.

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Article 14: Rural women

741. In 1991-92, the Alberta Rural Child Care Pilot Project was funded by the Alberta Agricultural Initiatives Program. The rural child care project sought to implement and evaluate a variety of child care projects on Alberta farms and demonstrated that rural child care is feasible, affordable and is beneficial to parents, children, care givers and the farm operation. As a result of the success of the pilot project, farm and rural child care in Alberta is now a joint project of rural women's organizations.

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Article 15: Women's equality with men before the law

742. Female offender initiatives include: special addictions, life management and health programs with a women's issues focus; hiring of Native elders to visit provincial prisons; availability of female mental health practitioners; specialized visiting programs for women with children; bail facilitation programs; and contracting with Elizabeth Fry for visitation and programming for women.

743. The Victims' Programs Assistance Fund was established in 1991. Surcharge assessments imposed by the court on those who are convicted under the Criminal Code, the Narcotics Control Act and the Food and Drug Act are deposited into the fund. Individuals, groups or organizations providing or proposing to provide services to victims of crime may apply for funding. Though not targeted specifically at women, funds have been allocated to, among other things, women's shelters and sexual assault centres. Funds total approximately $500,000 annually.

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Article 16: Marriage and family

744. The Family Policy Grid, approved by government in 1991, provides a framework for departments to use in developing and assessing policies affecting families. It requires that all departments of government review their policies, programs and legislation to ensure they support and encourage families. The principles focus on family well-being, family roles, family diversity, family support, family commitment and responsibility, family interests and partnerships with families.

745. The Premier's Council in Support of Alberta Families has an ongoing advisory role with respect to government policies, programs and services which may impact on family life in Alberta. The Council works closely with government departments in addressing the issues that could undermine family life. The role of women is very significant in the strength and well-being of families. The Council works closely with Alberta Community Development in addressing the issues that negatively impact on women and interfere with their ability to be supportive and contributing members of the family.

746. The Office for the Prevention of Family Violence continues its efforts to reduce family violence in Alberta. In response to the growing interest and commitment of community groups and individuals throughout the province, the Office provided additional funding of $200,000 for the 1991-92 to 1993-94 fiscal years to support innovative community-based family violence prevention projects. During Family Violence Prevention Month and throughout the 1991-92 to 1993-94 fiscal years, Community Project Funding supported 93 educational initiatives.

747. The Office for the Prevention of Family Violence continues to distribute to quarterly newsletter FOCUS, highlighting such issues as abused immigrant women, family violence in rural communities and Native issues.

748. The Alberta government expended over $7 million on women's emergency shelters and satellite shelters in 1993-94. Funding of community groups was increased by $500,000 to support the ongoing operation of six Rural Family Violence Prevention Centres (formerly known as satellites) in rural communities. These facilities provide abused women and their children with short-term crisis accommodation for up to seven days. In addition, the satellites offer a range of services according to community needs which are funded by both the government and community.

749. The Alberta government's family violence activities are co-ordinated by an Interdepartmental Committee on Family Violence, made up of representatives from 11 departments. As a result of this committee's recommendations, 27 initiatives were undertaken in 1992-93 including: the Family Violence is a Crime public awareness campaign; release of a discussion paper on Elder Abuse and Neglect; and incorporation of family violence and healthy family functioning themes into Alberta's school curricula through teacher training.

Article 16.1(d)

750. Departmental family violence initiatives were introduced in October 1990, and have impacted all three areas of the criminal justice system the police, the courts and corrections. Education programs continue to be delivered to police and prosecutors on an annual basis. Guidelines were issues to all Alberta police services, and copies to all chief Crown prosecutors, in October 1990, March 1991 and December 1993, relative to the handling of family violence cases.

Article 16 - Links to Convention text and other sections
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