Thread by @DanielleLarivee

#BalanceForBetter THREAD: For too long, women in our province have faced barriers to work, unequal pay and high levels of violence.
On #IWD2019 I’m so proud of the concrete steps that @RachelNotley and our government have taken to make REAL, positive change for women.
Steps like:

Creating the first standalone Ministry for the Status of Women in the country.
Proclaiming May as Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Increasing supports for survivors of sexual violence + increasing funding for women’s shelters. #IWD2019

We passed Safer Spaces legislation allowing Albertans experiencing domestic violence to break a lease and flee their homes. This helped over 400 people in the first year after it was passed.
We covered the cost of abortion pill so it is free to all women who need it. #IWD2019

We introduced Bubble Zone legislation to protect women and their families from harassment and violence as they access health care at abortion clinics. Jason Kenney and the UCP both hid from and walked out on the #ableg votes for this legislation. A dozen times. #IWD2019

Our new Status of Women grant programs are supporting women’s organizations across Alberta.
We invested in community projects that boost women’s safety, women’s economic security, and leadership opportunities.
Speaking of leaders: thestar.com/calgary/2019/0… #IWD2019

We ensured that women’s interests are at the centre of government decision-making and that women’s interests are represented every step of the way, from Alberta’s first gender balanced cabinet to having the first GBA+ analyzed budget in the province’s history. #IWD2019

When we came to office, Alberta’s ABCs were filled with Tory insiders and there were almost no women in sight.
Now, thanks to our government's call for all Albertans to apply, these boards are 50% women.
And women are leading elsewhere now too: calgaryherald.com/opinion/column… #IWD2019

We launched our “Ready for Her” campaign to encourage more women to get involved in politics and run for office. #TacticalWomanAB have answered that call.
We banned the mandatory wearing of high heels at workplaces across the province. Because, duh. #IWD2019

We raised the minimum wage to $15/hour – more than 60% of all minimum wage earners are women, often supporting families. #IWD2019

We introduced new protected job leaves for domestic violence and made changes to ensure that no parent ever again has to choose between taking care of a sick child or losing their job.
We brought in new protections against workplace harassment and violence. #IWD2019

We introduced new $25/day childcare centres, creating over 7000 affordable childcare spaces which help women enter or stay in the workforce, and lead Alberta's recovery: cbc.ca/news/canada/ca… #IWD2019

I’m proud of the meaningful work we’ve done to to make life better, fairer, and safer for women and girls, but we know that there’s so much more to be done to break down the barriers many still face. I thank everyone who is fighting for gender equality in Alberta. #IWD2019

This #InternationalWomensDay I invite you to join @RachelNotley and all of us who are building a stronger and more prosperous province where women are treated as equals in their homes, their workplaces, and their communities. #BalanceForBetter #BetterOffWithRachel #abndp #IWD2019