Status of Women (Canada) offices to be closed
By: Martin O'Hanlon
Globe and Mail
29 Nov 06

EXCERPT

OTTAWA -- The Conservative government is taking an axe to Status of Women Canada, closing three-quarters of its regional offices and outraging critics in the process.

Heritage Minister Bev Oda revealed Wednesday that 12 of the federal agency's 16 regional offices will be shut down by April 1...

"We don't need to separate the men from the women in this country.... This government as a whole is responsible to develop policies and programs that address the needs of both men and women."...

She also said women in regions will be able to get service from office of the Canadian Heritage Department....

Of the 16 regional offices, only Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal and Moncton will be spared.