Vol. 8 No. 6

Women’s groups and unions in Quebec have been organizing for more than a decade to win better parental leave. So, of course, Quebec women’s groups are delighted that the Quebec Court of Appeals has unanimously ruled that the federal government was violating its constitutional role by providing maternity and parental leave as part of Employment Insurance. While the Court did not strike down this provision of the EI Act, its decision could have important legal ramifications if it stands.

Four months after the popular rebellion in October, the new government of Bolivia has so far failed to propose realistic solutions to any of the serious problems facing the country. At the same time, the official opposition in parliament, the party of indigenous union leader, Evo Morales, is transforming Bolivian democratic practice forever.