Representation in National Institutions

If Canada is to be a truly participatory democracy, then citizens representing all the different interests in this country must be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in national institutions. Several new and politically active interest groups have come into being since World War II, women, ethnic and racial minorities, the elderly, to mention but a few. These groups represent large proportions of the Canadian population. Their needs must be recognized and met by government. Unfortunately, these same groups re-present some of the poorest citizens of our society. Participation in the policy-making process of government is, in this modern era, financially expensive. Consultations with government require much research, correspondence and travel. If these groups that represent disadvantaged individuals are to adequately express their concerns to government, they must be financially but unconditionally assisted by government.

It is not sufficient, however, to merely invite representatives of different groups in Canada to participate in the decision-making process of government. These representatives should also be consulted with respect to governmental appointments of individuals to decision-making offices and positions in national institutions. Such consultation is important for the acceptance of governmental decisions, policies and programs, by the people of Canada.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• That concrete efforts be made by government to facilitate an increase in truly representative citizen participation in the policy-making process;
  
  
• that women be equally involved in each national institution and at every stage of the policy-making process;
  
  
• that the government increase its financial assistance to women's organizations mainly to enable them to participate more often and more vigorously in the decision-making process of government;
  
  
• that special interest groups and voluntary organizations be consulted with respect to government appointments.

CONCLUSION

Canada is a liberal democratic society, a society in which the highest unit of value is the individual human being. This value should be the foundation of all government policies for the future. It should also be the fundamental assumption of the Commission's final report. Self-reliance and equality of opportunity arise naturally from this value as aspirations of each individual and ultimately, of the State which exists to serve the interests of individuals. These aspirations of Canadians must guide policy-makers when they make decisions that will affect the people of Canada.

It is most unfortunate that women as "persons" in Canada have to demand of the government what is rightfully theirs, equality of opportunity. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that women have equal opportunity in all parts of the social system, for without such opportunity, women cannot achieve self-reliance. Without the latter, women are persons only in law but not in their actual lives and relationships. As a servant of all persons in Canada, the government must serve the interests of women and redress the discrimination women experience. The government must guarantee the rights of women as persons, in every part of society, including the private and public sectors. A government that fails or that is hesitant to do this, is not a government of the people for the people. It is a government that is undemocratic, oppressive and patriarchal.

CCLOW urges the Commission to remind the government of its democratic origins and foundations, and of its obligations to women as persons in Canada. CCLOW looks forward to the final report of the Commission.