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Canadian women’s soccer team takes fight for pay equity to Parliament

By Neil Davidson

Members of the Canadian women’s soccer team take their fight for pay equity to Parliament today.

Captain Christine Sinclair, Janine Beckie, Sophie Schmidt and Quinn, who goes by one name, are scheduled to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage this afternoon. The four serve as the women’s team player representatives.

The Canadian women, like their male counterparts, are embroiled in a bitter labour dispute with Canada Soccer, the sport’s governing body.

The Olympic champion women want the same support and backing ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as the men did before their soccer showcase last year in Qatar. Both teams want Canada Soccer to open their books and explain why their programs are being cut this year.

The women, whose existing labour deal expired at the end of 2021, have struck an agreement in principle with Canada Soccer on compensation for 2022 but say other issues have yet to be resolved.

Canada Soccer officials are due to appear before the parliamentary committee on March 20.