Reinstate the Canadian Ministers of Gender Equity and DEI: A Call for Inclusive Leadership
(2 minute read)
An Alarming Decision at a Critical Time
(just six days after International Women's Day) as world leaders gathered at the United Nations Women’s Rights Summit to assess 30 years of progress on gender equality, Canadians were met with shocking news: newly appointed Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government had eliminated the role of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth (WAGE) from the federal cabinet. Alongside this, the Minister of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was also removed, dismantling the very machinery that has been providing a voice in the Prime Minister's Office for gender and social justice issues.
This decision is more than an oversight—it signals is a regressive step that threatens to undermine decades of progress on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and diversity initiatives. Even in a so-called “lean cabinet” or "war cabinet" aimed at economic efficiency amidst a current trade war, this move sends a clear and troubling message about the government’s priorities: gender equity and inclusion are being treated as expendable.
The Devastating Impact of This Move
The removal of these ministerial roles is not just symbolic—at a time when 44% of Canada experience gender based violence and 1-in-3 women experience sexual violence, this will have real and immediate consequences for millions of Canadians:
Women, 2SLGBTQIIA+ communities, and gender-diverse people will have no dedicated cabinet voice advocating for their rights, policies, and protections. Instead, departments working on women, gender, disability, diversity, equity, inclusion will now report to Steven Guilbeault as the Minister of Jobs and Families according to a government spokesperson.
Critical initiatives, including the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, childcare expansion, and pharmacare, risk losing dedicated leadership and resources.
Young feminists, who fought for a seat at the decision-making table, have been pushed back to the margins.
This decision comes amid a growing international backlash against women’s rights and gender justice, making it all the more urgent for Canada to reaffirm its commitment to progress. Instead, this government is sending a dangerous signal that gender equality is an afterthought.
Public Pressure Works: The Power of Collective Action
This is not the first time political leaders have faced pressure to roll back equality initiatives. But history has also shown that when people unite, change happens.
Over 19 million people signed the Justice for George Floyd petition, making it the most successful in history and pressuring governments to take action on racial justice.
More than 2.2 million people demanded justice for Trayvon Martin, pushing conversations on racial profiling into mainstream political discourse.
5 million signatures against the Yulin Dog Meat Festival forced international scrutiny and policy reconsiderations.
A large-scale petition calling for the reinstatement of dedicated Ministers for Gender Equity and DEI can send a powerful message to Prime Minister Carney: Canadians will not stand by as these crucial roles are erased.
We Must Demand Change—Now
The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW-ICREF) and over 200 Canadian non-profits have emphasized, gender equality is not a luxury—it is the backbone of a strong economy and resilient society. The argument that economic concerns justify eliminating these ministerial roles is deeply flawed. Studies have consistently shown that investing in gender equity leads to:
✅ Stronger economic growth
✅ Higher workforce participation
✅ Improved national well-being
Canada does not have to choose between the economy and social justice—these are not opposing forces. They are interconnected. Eliminating these roles does not save money; it weakens the very foundation of our society.
Take Action: Sign the Petition to Reinstate These Ministers
The removal of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and the Minister of DEI is an attack on hard-fought rights and protections. We must not let this stand.
✍️ Sign the petition.
📢 Share it with your networks.
📨 Write to your Member of Parliament.