Committee Membership and Profiles (FEWO)

Standing Committee on Status of Women (FEWO)

43rd Parliament, 2nd Session

Leona Alleslev

CPC – Port Moody-Coquitlam (BC)

• Member: Special Committee on the Economic Relation between CA-US
• Deputy Leader: Official Opposition (2019 – 2020)

Key Interests: Inclusion of Women in the CAF; Sexual Misconduct Allegations against Gen. Vance

Anita Vandenbeld

LPC – West Ottawa-Nepean (ON)

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of National Defence (2019 – present)
• Member: NDDN (2019 – present)
• NDHQ Carling Campus in riding

Key Interests: CAF Culture Change; Role of Women in the CAF

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Marilyn Gladu

(CPC – Sarnia – Lambston, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• President of the Queen’s Privy Council and Shadow Minister for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (2020 – Present)
• Conservative Party Leadership Candidate (2020)
• Former Critic for Health (2019 – 2020)

Committee Membership

• Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2016 – 2017; 2020 – Present)
• Vice-Chair of the Liaison Committee (2021 – Present )
• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Health (2017 – 2019)
• Former member of the Subcommittee on Communications Activities in Relation to Committees (2017)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Op IMPACT
  • Defence procurement
  • Genocide Syria and Iraq
  • Terrorism
• During debate on the refocus of Op IMPACT (Feb 2016), criticized the Government for withdrawing the CF-18s, pointing to their effectiveness in weakening ISIL’s position and alleging that Canada had failed its allies
• Underlined the importance of ensuring that the CAF are well-equipped, including with ships for the navy and equipment for the air force
• Argued that the murder of Christians in Syria and Iraq constituted genocide
• Expressed concern about terrorism, particularly its impact on women

Other Interests

• Voted against private member’s bill to change lyrics to ‘O Canada’
• Introduced Bill C-277, Framework on Palliative Care in Canada Act
• Pipelines, particularly the Energy East Pipeline Project
• Against federal carbon tax, citing economic impact on petrochemical producing areas

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Sonia Sidhu

(LPC – Brampton South, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Nil.

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – Present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2018 – Present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Health (2016 – Present)
• Former Member of the Special Committee on Pay Equity (2016)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • CAF support in LTCFs
  • Sikh CAF members
  • PTSD
  • Women in the CAF
• In HESA Committee meetings, has often gave thanks to CAF members to who deployed in Ontario and Quebec LTCFs
• In the House, has spoken in recognition of the contribution of Canadian Sikhs to the armed forces
• In HESA Committee meetings, has shown interest in research and treatment for PTSD as well as other mental health issues that affect veterans
• In FEWO, was interested in increasing women’s representation in the CAF, training, victim support, support for military families, and how the federal government can help address problems experienced by women in the CAF

Other Interests

• GBA+
• Diabetes advocacy
• Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
• Issues within constituency
• Active volunteer in her community, particularly health, South Asian, and environmental causes

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Andréanne Larouche

(BQ – Shefford, QC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for the Status of Women and Gender Equality (2019 – present)
• Critic for Seniors (2019 – present)
• Member of 17 Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary Groups, including Canada-China Legislative Association, Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, and Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly

Committee Membership

• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Inclusion of women in CAF
  • Culture change in CAF
• Rose in a statement to recognize the appointment of LGen Frances Allen as the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.
• In the same statement, criticized the Minister of National Defence for ignoring allegations against the former Chief of the Defence staff, showing a culture of silence and hostility for women.

Other Interests

• Old Age Security
• Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
• Genocide of Uighurs in China
• Conditions in Long-term Care Homes

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Lindsay Mathyssen

(NDP – London-Fanshawe, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Deputy Whip (2019 – Present)
• Critic for Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – Present)
• Critic for Women and Gender Equality (2019 – Present)
• Deputy Critic for Export Promotion and International Trade (2019 – Present)
• Deputy Critic for Small Business (2019 – Present)
• Member of seven Parliamentary Association and Inter-Parliamentary Associations, including the Canadian Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – present)
• Member of the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Protecting victims of sexual misconduct in the CAF
  • Toxic culture in the CAF
• In Committee, questioned the Minister for Women and Gender Equality about victim support, relating to the allegations against the former chiefs of the defence staff
• Criticized the government for allowing toxic and dangerous sexualized culture in the CAF, and not showing leadership when responding to issues of sexual misconduct in the CAF

Other Interests

• Human Rights
• Issues facing seniors
• Issues facing Indigenous peoples and Indigenous Rights
• Government transparency
• Universal pharmacare
• Green jobs

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Anju Dhillon

(LPC – Dorval-Lachine-Lasalle, QC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Former Parliamentary Secretary for the Status of Women (2015 – 2017)

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – present); on Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – present)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2017 – 2019); on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2017)
• Former member of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2017 – 2018)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • CAF and Naval activities in the Arctic (visited the Arctic on board the HMCS Charlottetown in Summer 2018 as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Leaders at Sea program)

Other Interests

• Gender equality
• Gender-based violence
• Sexual discrimination
• Pay equity
• Sikh heritage

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Gudie Hutchings

LPC – Long Range Mountains, NFLD)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development (2019 – Present) 
• Former Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism (2015 – 2017)
• Former Executive member of the Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group
• Member of six parliamentary associations, including the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – present)
• Former member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (2017 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Veterans
• Commended the re-opening of Veterans Affairs offices, including one in her local riding

Other Interests

• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
• Gender-Based Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Small and medium sized businesses
• Advocate for tourism and fishery industry in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Support for rural regions

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Marc Serré

(LPC – Nickel Belt, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development (2019)
• Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlArmerica (2020 – Present)
• Member of various Parliamentary Associations and Interparliamentary groups, including the Canada-China Legislative Association and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member on the Standing Committee of Citizenship and Immigration (2020 – Present)
• Member on the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2016 – Present)
• Non-voting member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2019 – 2020); on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2019)
• Former member of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2016 – 2016); on Natural Resources (2016 – 2019)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Veterans
• Has spoken in support of local legions branches and advocates for better service delivery for those suffering from PTSD

Other Interests

• Gender Based Violence
• Seniors
• Citizen of the Mattawa/North Bay/Algonquin First Nation and Metis of Ontario
• Supports union and labour rights for public servants and Canadians
• Active volunteer in his community, including as school board trustee and a hospital board

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Salma Zahid

(LPC – Scarborough Centre, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Executive member of the Canadian-Europe Parliamentary Association; of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
• Member of numerous Parliamentary Associations, including the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, the Canada-China Legislative Association, and the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – Present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2016 – Present)
• Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2019 – 2019)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2017 – 2018); for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2016 – 2017); on Public Accounts (2016)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Op IMPACT
  • Army Reserve
  • Women in the CAF
  • CAF Housing
  • Training of new recruits
• During the debate on the refocus of Op IMPACT (Feb 2016), stressed that a political solution will need to be found in the region, and lauded the Government for the increased diplomatic and developmental assistance role, as well as the military contribution
• Interested in whether reservists receive sufficient training and proper equipment
• When speaking about the Treatment of Women Within the Department of National Defence, considered recruitment and training as key in ensuring greater diversity and inclusion in the CAF; asked questions about implementing evidence-based policies and providing better support to families, women, and victims of sexual misconduct

Other Interests

• Strong interest in advocacy for women, families, and youth
• Supports infrastructure investments in cities, particularly for social housing
• Active volunteer in her community
• Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Community Service

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Jag Sahota

(CPC – Calgary Skyview, AB)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for Women and Gender Equality (2020 – Present)
• Former Deputy Critic for Women and Gender Equality (2019 – 2020)

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – present)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Leadership in CAF Culture Change
  • Previous Work on CAF Culture Change
• During question period, criticized the Prime Minister for not acting when the Canadian Forces Ombudsman came to him with allegations against Gen Vance.
• In committee, criticized the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and the Prime Minister for not supporting victims of sexual misconduct in reference to the allegations against Gen Vance.
• In committee, referenced the Standing Committee on the Status of Women report from June 2019 entitled “A Force for Change” and its recommendations.

Other Interests

• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
• Status of Women in Society
• Oil and gas industry
• Human Trafficking

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Nelly Shin

(CPC – Port Moody-Coquitlam, BC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Deputy Critic for Canadian Heritage (2019 – 2020)
• Member of seven Parliamentary Association and Interparliamentary Groups, including the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, and the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2020 – Present)
• Former Member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2020)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Sexual Misconduct Allegations against Gen Vance
• In Committee, criticized the Prime Minister and Defence Minister for not acting when presented with allegations of sexual misconduct by Gen. Vance

Other Interests

• China’s Genocide of the Uighurs
• Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
• Gender-Based Violence

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Hon. Alice Wong

(CPC – Richmond Centre, BC)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Critic for Seniors (2017– 2020)
• Former Critic for Small Business (2015 – 2017)
• Former Minister of State (Seniors) (2011 – 2015)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism (2008 – 2011)
• Vice-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association
• Member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group and Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2009 – 2010; 2020 - present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on the Library of Parliament (2017 – 2019)
• Former Member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2017–2018, 2010 – 2011); on Citizenship and Immigration (2009 – 2011)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Bill C-77
• Has spoken in the House about the need for a Victims Bill of Rights and reforms in military justice.

Other Interests

• Gender-based Violence
• Job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity
• Refused to play role in Canada Summer jobs program over their support for abortion and LGBTQ rights
• Charitable organizations
• Old Age Security

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Leona Alleslev

(CPC – Aurora—Oak Ridge—Richmond Hill, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) (2020 – present)
• Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition ( 2019 – 2020)
• Critic for Global Security (2018 - 2019)
• Former Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 - 2018)
• Member of five other parliamentary associations, including the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Public Services and Procurement (2015 - 2017)

Committee Membership

• Vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs (2019-present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 – present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on the Canada-China Relations (2019 – present)
• Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs (2018 - 2019)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2017 - 2018)

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Defence spending
  • Defence procurement                          
  • Op IMPACT
  • Women and diversity
  • Canadian Arctic security
  • NATO procurement (especially F/A-18 purchase)
• Crossed the floor to the CPC in September 2018, citing concerns with the Government’s handling of its international relationships and defence spending
• Upon joining the CPC, criticized the decision to purchase Australian F/A-18s; had previously supported the Government’s plans for replacing the CF-18s
• Interested in the role of women in military, particularly in the context of peacekeeping
• Frequently asks how parliamentarians can help promote public awareness of defence issues
• Interested in Canada’s share of defence contracts in the NATO context
• Interested in evaluating performance and improving processes; frequently asking for ‘top 3 things that can be done to improve X,’ and ‘how to measure progress/value for money.’

Other Interests

• Strong ties to military through family

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• Nil

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Anita Vandenbeld

(LPC – Ottawa West-Nepean, ON)

Political and Parliamentary Roles

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (2019 – present)
• Member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association

Committee Membership

• Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence (2020 – present)
• Former Chair of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019); of the Special Committee on Pay Equity (2016)
• Former member of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2018 – 2019); on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017 – 2019); on the Status of Women (2016 – 2017); and on Procedure and House Affairs (2015 – 2017).

Points of Interest to DND/CAF

• Priority interests: 
  • Peacekeeping / UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325
  • International conflict
  • Syrian refugees
  • Mental health
• Lauded the Government’s decision to increase funding for international assistance in Budget 2016, stating that she looked forward to Canada again leading the world on peacekeeping missions and implementing UNSCR 1325 (Women, Peace and Security); also interested in women in the military and women in peacekeeping missions
• In Committee appearances related to UNSCR 1325, encouraged non-governmental organizations to work with the CAF and civilian peacekeeping organizations to help implement their mandates
• Worked with the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, for which she received the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
• When meeting with representatives from Eastern Europe in Committee, has asked questions about Russian cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns
• Spoke in favour of the government’s contribution to the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group to create a centre of excellence for military members, their families, and veterans
• Sailed onboard a Halifax-class frigate as part of the CAF Parliamentary Program in October 2017

Other Interests

• Supports C-47, the Arms Trade Treaty
• Strong advocate for GBA+ in policy

CAF Bases/Wings in Riding

• NDHQ Carling Campus

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