Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his cabinet on March 14 with two major omissions: ministers for women and gender equality, as well as for diversity, inclusion, and persons with disabilities have been removed. 

This is more than just a political oversight; it is a huge missed opportunity. It is a marked retreat from Canada’s history of championing gender equality—a dangerous signal at a time when the rights of women and vulnerable populations are under unprecedented threat. 

We are in the midst of some of the largest shifts of economic instability, growing populist movements, and the erosion of women’s rights. In this context, Carney’s decision to diminish the focus on gender equality reflects a troubling trend that will see Canada’s leadership in equal rights begin to decline on the global stage. 

In the United States, the situation has already begun to deteriorate, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade serving as a stark reminder of the new lack of bodily autonomy for women. North of the border, we have watched in shock and dismay at the systematic dismantling of hard-won equal rights victories. Seemingly overnight, equality laws that have taken decades to build have disappeared. 

Since coming into power, the new Trump administration has swiftly undone significant efforts to advance equal rights. Programs, policies, and laws designed to address systemic racism, structural inequities, and to support marginalized groups have been rolled back, under the guise of meritocracy and fairness. In fact, this new direction will exclude large segments of the U.S. population from important education and occupation opportunities to contribute to the country’s economic growth. Canada risks following a similar misguided path. We must reaffirm our commitment to equality, not retreat from it.

As Canada enters a new political phase under Carney, the absence of a minister solely focused on advancing gender equality raises grave concerns. It signals that this is a secondary issue when it is, in fact, a critical pillar of societal progress.

Women bear the brunt of economic turbulence

When economic downturns occur, women often bear the brunt, experiencing higher rates of job loss, income insecurity, and domestic violence. We are entering a period of global economic turbulence, and the failure to maintain a cabinet position dedicated to women’s rights sends a chilling message to half of Canada’s population: your rights are not a priority.

With stakes this high, we must ask ourselves: why would Canada—with its proud history of advocating for women’s rights—remove a cabinet position that has been integral to advancing equality for over half a century? The elimination of this post is a symbolic gesture that risks erasing the institutional commitment to gender equity, critically needed at this time.

Countries with higher levels of gender equality have stronger economies, healthier populations, and more stable political environments. If there was ever a time that Canada needed this, it’s now. 

In these uncertain times, women, gender-diverse, and vulnerable individuals need a champion. The absence of a dedicated minister undermines the very possibility of systemic change. It leaves vulnerable populations—already suffering from inequality, violence, and discrimination—without a visible leader to address their unique needs in times of crisis.

A step backwards

Carney’s decision to abandon this crucial role is not just a political misstep; it is a step backwards. In this critical time, we must look to the future, not retreat to the past. 

The decision to not appoint these two critical ministerial positions represents a tragic missed opportunity for leadership—one that could ultimately weaken Canada’s commitment to ensuring equality for all its citizens. 

The newly appointed cabinet has an opportunity to act swiftly and rectify this decision. If they don’t, it will be difficult for this group to convince half of the voting population to support the Liberals when women have just been told their rights aren’t a critical concern for this new government. 

Rebecca Bailey is the CEO of Women in Communications & Technology.

The Hill Times