IN THE NEWS
September 10, 2004

Response to "Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, August 17, 2004"

September 3, 2004

Ms. Rosemary Speirs
Chair
Equal Voice

Dear Ms. Speirs;

On behalf of the Right Honourable Paul Martin, we would like to acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated August 17, 2004.

Please be assured that your comments regarding women representation in the Federal Government, and more specifically in Cabinet, have been careful and appropriate consideration. That said, this Cabinet features exceptionally strong representation from women in very key and senior positions � including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister of Heritage, just to name a few.

As you may already know, the Prime Minister announced on August 30, 2004 the appointment of the Honourable Louise V. Charron and the Honourable Rosalie Silderman Abella to the Supreme Court of Canada. Indeed, the appointments of Justices Charron and Abella were made using a process that promotes greater transparency and openness and great parliamentary involvement. We should also note that these appointments mark the first time in Canadian history that four of the nine Chief Justices are women.

Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister,

Sincerely,

Lynne Carrière
Special Assistant � Correspondence