By Canadian Press

COVID-19 magnified systemic discrimination against Indigenous women: Bennett

Mar 8, 2021 | 3:22 PM

OTTAWA — Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett says the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the effects of systemic discrimination against Indigenous women in Canada.

Speaking at a virtual summit the federal government organized to discuss the feminist response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bennett says Canada’s colonial legacy has played a role in worse outcomes for Indigenous women.

She says that includes more layoffs, a lack of child care and a spike in family violence at higher rates than non-Indigenous women.

Odelle Pike, president of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, says having to remain isolated and apart from extended families has affected the physical, mental and spiritual health of Indigenous women during the pandemic.

She says the resources to deal with the high rate of mental health issues are limited, since many Indigenous communities are small and remote.

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Bennett says the government is working to create an action plan for women in the economy to address the gender pay gap that contributes to women’s poverty, health concerns and barriers to leaving abusive relationships.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2021.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press