"We are concerned about the direction of Canadian equality rights jurisprudence, the positions being advanced by governments in equality rights litigation, and the apparent unwillingness of the courts to be a counterbalancing influence when governments ignore women's interests and voices. How courts treat the relationship between the right to equality and economic policy is important because of its potential impact on women. What courts say about rights also influences the understanding people have of their relations to others, and how governments view their roles and responsibilities." - Shelagh Day and Gwen Brodsky.
             There is a specific disconnection between the social policies that are affecting women's lives and the commitments that have been made, domestically and internationally, to the equality of women. If women are to advance then economic and social policies need connect with women's right to equality. Many Canadians are suspicious of the poor, very quick to judge men and women to be the ones at fault for their own misfortunes. There are significant differences that exist regarding the gender nature of poverty in Canada and the impact of social welfare policies on women. Many reports have shown that women continue to be more vulnerable to poverty than men (Gunderson et al. 1990; Harman 1992). This paper will give background on why women face poverty at a higher percentage than men, the issues facing women in poverty and what are the legal protections that are offered for those living in poverty in Canada. Also, I will analyze "Poverty, Income Inequality, and Health in Canada" by Dr. Dennic Raphael. In my opinion, if we live in a democratic country with equal rights for both genders then this issue should not exist in the first place. Poverty does not only take away a home from women and children but it is also linked to health. If poverty causes such suffering and even death then it is import...