Dear Mr. Jaffer,

I'm writing you today to express concern over some press attention and Internet talk regarding Status of Women Canada. SWC, you will recall, has a mandate to promote “gender equality, and the full participation of women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of the country. SWC focuses its work in three areas: improving women's economic autonomy and well-being, eliminating systemic violence against women and children, and advancing women's human rights”.

Any fair reading of this demonstrates that it is far from being a 'radical' feminist agenda, yet the organization “REAL Women” and its supporters have been trying to portray it as such. Many women rely on SWC's work ensure that our legal and human rights, as protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are protected when under attack.

You will undoubtably recall that Conservatives fought hard to gain the trust of Canadians, and in particular to gain our trust that a Conservative government will not be a radical, anti-feminist government that turns back the clock for Canadian women. I certainly hope you will be able to assure me that this trust was not misplaced.

Please keep me informed of any efforts you undertake to ensure the continued funding and operation of this essential agency. This is an important issue to me and many other women to whom I've spoken.

Sincerely,
(my real name)

"Like typical radical feminists, they have decided that they speak for all women, and they only consult those groups and women that agree with their agenda," says an entry on the Big Blue Wave blog from Suzanne, who does not give her last name.

"So it's a bunch of radical feminist bureaucrats consulting radical feminists to hear what they want to hear to promote more radical feminism on my dime."

Halifax communications consultant and blogger Audra Williams has mounted her own counter-offensive, urging readers to write to their MP in support of Status of Women Canada.

"This actually turns my blood to ice," Williams wrote last week. "I am calling my MP right now. I mean, I know she's on board, but still I am calling her."

Monica Lysack of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada, a recipient of funding from Status of Women Canada, calls the campaign to eliminate the agency "distasteful."

Holy crap my LJ was just quoted in the Globe and Mail.

Oh reporter who is reading this! I could have given you a better soundbyte!

Still. Radical.

(see what I did there?)

REAL Women of Canada's objectives include promoting equality. The organization, which has not received federal funding for several years, is also against abortion and same-sex marriage. It advocates a “Judeo-Christian” understanding of marriage and family life