Commit to Tabling a Gender-based Analysis Department Spending - QP

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Economic Development. The federal government has been undertaking gender-based analysis on its programs and policies since the 1990s. Last week when I asked whether this government had undertaken gender-basis analysis of the budget, just as I've been asking for each budget of the last five years, the minister answered that the best possible way forward for Nova Scotians, including women, is to grow the economy.

This "rising tide lifts all boats" logic is precisely why we need gender-based analysis for programs like the Innovation Rebate and More Opportunity for Skilled Trades.

I'd be happy to discuss this with the minister, but in the meantime my question to the minister is: Will she commit to tabling a gender-based analysis of her department's spending?

HON. SUSAN CORKUM-GREEK » : What I will say again is I reiterate my willingness to meet with you to discuss this and I will take it back to my department and figure out what that would engender to take that on.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing a positive response. In the meantime, I want to ask about the insistence that there is a plan. We've talked about this a lot in this Chamber.

Let me table some actual economic recovery plans: the StrongerBC Economic Plan; the Economic Recovery and Growth Action Plan, from New Brunswick; the Big Reset, from Newfoundland and Labrador; Alberta's Recovery Plan. These are plans ranging from seven pages to almost 400, but what do we get in Nova Scotia? Scattershot funding announcements, some of which were good, some of which we celebrate, some of which we scratch our heads about, and an ad campaign telling people to "get back out there," a campaign which has been grimly lampooned by a public who's craving transparency.

Can the minister agree that it is not enough to simply repeat the notion that the government has a plan, and that, at some point, the minister should probably table one?

SUSAN CORKUM-GREEK « » : I find it curious that you would point to the Alberta Recovery Plan, which is so based on things at odds with the shared view, I believe, of this House in terms of our environmental stewardship of the planet.

What I will say is, nothing has been hidden. If you need documentation, look at our election platform. The plan is based on increasing population, on increasing consumption of locally produced goods, internet connectivity, growing green businesses and opportunities. You can ask for a study - we prefer action.