Started in 1967, and finally completed and released in 1971, The Royal Commission on the Status of Women was an eye-opening and definitive blueprint for action on most issues affecting women in this country at that time. In the 40 ensuing years since the release of that report, has progress been made? Using extensive archival footage and new interview material, this film explores the state of women in Canada today.

In comprehensive and clear-minded fashion, the film breaks it down into key issues : reproductive rights, violence against women, child care, etc... Archival and recent interviewees include Adrienne Clarkson, Henry Morgentaler and a number of prominent politicians and feminist thinkers. Not surprisingly, this look at the history of the women’s movement in Canada concludes that the struggle is even greater today, at a time when government concern over economic challenges seems to take precedence over progressive social issues. It is impossible not to react in strong fashion to the arguments presented so succinctly in this film, as it falls into the tradition of great NFB advocacy documentaries.