If delegated legislation is to be seen as an inevitable consequence of the growth of government resulting from the decision-making process in our modern democracy under the pretext of extending equality and social justice to all, we must not, however, turn a blind eye to its weaknesses.

The responsible authorities or intermediary organisations to which certain tasks have been delegated should verify compliance with national and Community legislation, and especially with the conditions laid down in the national implementation programme approved by the Commission, the rules on the eligibility of expenditure under the Fund, and where appropriate, on competition, public procurement, protecting and enhancing the environment, removing inequalities and promoting equality between men and women, and should confirm that requests for payment are justified and accurate, by checking tendering procedures, awards of contracts, progres ...[+++]s in project implementation, payments and the acceptance of works.

The Women's Unit within Government is responsible for the monitoring of all new policy to ensure that gender issues are fully considered. In addition the Government and the devolved administrations require all new legislative policy to contain a statement on gender impact.

Through the efforts of Canadians like Senator Bird and today's award winner Karen Levine, executive producer of CBC Radio's ``As it Happens'', Canada has earned a reputation for excellence in advancing women's equality.

Delegates acknowledged that women’s rights to equality, economy and dignity are guaranteed by international conventions and are constituted in the national laws in many Commonwealth countries.

They recognized that the CWP had a critical role to play in increasing female representation in Parliaments, as well as mainstreaming gender considerations in all CPA activities and programmes.