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“For far too long, women have been told that anti-discrimination policies are too expensive or aren’t a priority. That is simply unacceptable.”

Her gender justice platform is focused on the understanding that the federal government needs to put resources in place, like immediate aid for victims and their families, before significant changes can be made — a job she says the current government isn’t taking seriously enough.

“There was much hope in electing Justin Trudeau as someone who committed to real change and there is no question that one of the messages he put forward was one that was, I’d say, much appreciated by women across the country,” Ashton said. “We had very early declarations of Prime Minister Trudeau’s feminism — and his very proud identity as such — but what we haven’t seen is that commitment rollout in terms of policy and particularly resources.”

Sheri Benson, the MP for Saskatoon West, was also at the event to officially throw her support behind Ashton in the leadership race.

“Being a leader is a tough job, but she’s up for it,” Benson said.

“Right from the get-go in her political career she has stood up for equity in human rights as an MP, she has advocated for the north, her community, for good jobs and for good education. I really like how she proposes to work in partnership with communities and community based organizations who work on the front line of this issue day-in and day-out. Communities have the answers, but what they really need is a government that understands them.”

epetrow@postmedia.com

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