Report gives C grade on women's equality issues for P.E.I.

The P.E.I. Advisory Council for the Status of Women issued a report card Wednesday morning for the provincial government on women's equality, saying it's making small but important steps.

The report covers the period from June 2013 to April 2015, ending at the time the last provincial election was called. It gives an overall grade of C.

Four areas of improvement

• Gender and diversity considerations now required in memos to executive council for policy-making.
• Improvements in mental health supports and addictions services that begin to address a province-wide crisis.
• Government departments that are more responsive to gender and different needs in their workplaces.
• Some serious attention to issues of violence and commitment to structures that help violence prevention.

Four areas that need improving

• The Social Action Plan to Reduce Poverty is inadequate, especially to support social inclusion.
• Harsh impacts from federal cuts and devolution of federal programs, especially in adult education and training.
• Social services and social programs continue to strip people of their dignity.
• Collaboration with and funding for community-based organizations who provide front-line service is insufficient.