Dressed in spandex and a purple cape Femme Fiscale, Manitoba’s newest superheroine, flew into the Manitoba Legislature for her first public appearance on Budget Day March 6. Today, the red-haired women’s rights advocate took time to analyze the impact of the budget on some of the province’s most vulnerable citizens. “We were disappointed that tax cuts were once again the big winner of the day,” said the feisty Femme. The Femme is particularly concerned about the lost government revenue that tax cuts bring. “Tax cuts aren’t free. This year’s budget takes another nearly 100 million dollars out of the government purse. I am concerned about how this will impact people who rely on government services, especially women and their children.”

Indeed, Budget 2006 offered no new social housing units. “We have consulted with women across the province and in every community we hear women speak of the need for more housing that is affordable for low-income families. A hundred million dollars could go a long way to addressing this need,” said the Femme Fiscale. Although the budget did promise $7.8 million for an integrated shelter benefit for low-income people, it appears that money promised for this program last year has not even been spent. Manitobans living with disabilities will benefit from a small increase to their housing allowance.

Using her POV (point-of-view) goggles, the Femme Fiscale also examined the budget to see how the government would deliver on its childcare promises. “Women from across our fair province say that accessible and affordable childcare is an urgent need. In Winnipeg alone there are more children on waiting lists — nearly 15,000 of them! — than there are in childcare centres.” Although Budget 2006 promised small increases for existing childcare spaces, a promise that will provide greater stability and higher wages for child care providers, there was no word on creating new spaces. Femme Fiscale hopes the Manitoba government will fight to keep the childcare deal signed by the federal government last April.

Femme Fiscale was pleased to see the budget promise new funding to the province’s universities and colleges which allows post-secondary institutions to maintain quality programs without a rise in tuition. “Education is very important for women,” said Femme Fiscale. “Women still earn less than men so getting a good education helps them compete in the unequal workforce. The tuition freeze is crucial as time taken to raise children, compounded with lower wages, tends to limit women’s ability to pay back student loans.”
La Femme Fiscale brightens up an otherwise dull budget

The Femme Fiscale believes that only in working together can we achieve economic equality for Manitoba women. Her presence on Budget Day was a reminder to all that the Manitoba Budget is not just for the proverbial “men in suits” but also for ordinary Manitobans, including those who wear spandex and capes. “Femme Fiscale livened up an otherwise dull budget,” said reporter Jon Hendricks of CTV News.

Femme Fiscale anticipates further adventures with The Golden Boy, who has promised to remove his head from the clouds and fight for women’s rights alongside her. She also looks forward to continued dialogue with government representatives who have committed to using gender analysis in the development of the budget. With her toolbelt of women’s rights implements Femme Fiscale will continue her mission to hold government accountable for their commitments to women’s human rights. The stolid Golden Boy may be the economic vision of the province, but Femme Fiscale is the spirited conscience with her feet firmly planted on the ground.

External links:
Femme Fiscale Article
Femme Fiscale Official site

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