FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2001

Edmonton – "On March 12th the Conservatives are going to realize how their policies have impacted women in the province. Women are working, and they are voting. This election is about democracy and equality. It’s about the effects of funding cuts and the privatization of services women and their families use. This election is about bread and roses," says Audrey Cormack, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour.

"Women have been the hardest hit by Klein’s neoconservative social and fiscal policies. Reduced childcare subsidies, the privatization of healthcare and flat taxes are making it harder to make ends meet. The reality is that women are not experiencing the ‘Alberta Advantage.’ IWD shows us that we need, now more than ever, a government that values women," says Cormack.

Cormack’s comments come on International Women’s Day, recognized internationally as a day of protest, solidarity and celebration of women’s struggles for equality. IWD emanates from labour strikes of textile workers on March 8, in both 1857 and 1908, to protest against poor working conditions in New York City. Their slogan, "bread and roses" has come to represent women’s quest for economic security and social justice.

"International Women’s Day belongs to working women, and every woman is a working woman. The struggles faced by women a century ago are the same struggles faced by women in Alberta today. Fair wages, decent working conditions, accessible childcare, are all things women are still fighting for," says Cormack.

"This election women have a real chance to make their voices heard," said Lyn Gorman, New Democrat candidate and vice president of the Alberta Federation of Labour.

Audrey Cormack concurred. "We need MLA’s who will make decisions and implement legislation that takes into account the best interests of women. I urge people to vote for a party that will make sure women in Alberta get their bread and roses."

IWD Events

• Edmonton
  • "Moving Toward the Rebirth of Culture, Peace & Harmony" Saturday, March 10 at 11:30 am – 2:00 pm @ City Hall All welcome – admission is free. For further information contact: Pascal Lagace @ 495-7091
• Calgary
  • Symposium on "Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Gender"
    A Conference in Celebration of International Women’s Day March 7, 8 & 9, 2001 at the University of Calgary, room MSC 277 (ground floor of Mac Hall) All welcome – admission is fee.
• Lethbridge
  • Parkland Institute’s First Annual Speakers’ Series
    "From Ideas to Action: Creating the Communities We Want"
    March 8 @ 7:30 pm
    Lethbridge Public Library
    This event is co-sponsored by Womanspace Resource Centre and the Lethbridge and District YWCA, and the Lethbridge Public Library.
    Admission by donation.

Should you have any questions or wish to contact the officers or staff, please call:

Audrey Cormack, President: 780-499-6530 (cell)
Les Steel, Secretary-Treasurer: 780-499-4135 (cell)
Mike Desautels, CLC: 780-405-2756 (cell)