Celebrating International Women's Day

MP Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women)
News Release

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OTTAWA - Today I would like to join with Canadians from coast to coast to coast in celebrating International Women's Day. Today is the culmination of International Women's Week - a time to acknowledge women's achievements around the world. This year's theme is Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality. This theme reflects our Government's firm belief that when women have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of Canadian life then Canada prospers.

Canada is facing the challenges of the global financial crises. Our government has delivered a multiyear economic action plan that is a balanced approach to stimulate economic growth, restore confidence and support Canadians, including Canadian women and their families.

As part of International Women's Week, I had the honour to address the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) to highlight the significant progress women have made in Canada and to reaffirm Canada's commitment to national and international gender equality.

The theme at the UNCSW this year was "The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men," and this theme is more applicable than ever. Sharing of responsibilities is about more than women entering the workforce; it is also about recognizing the important role of caregiving. Our Government knows this, and that is why we have provided caregivers with support through a number of mechanisms, including a Universal Child Care plan, tax credits, maternity and parental benefits, Compassionate Care benefits and targeted programs for caregivers of Veterans and First Nations.

Our government's commitment to women extends beyond economic opportunity and includes promoting women in leadership. This is most evident in the recent appointment by Prime Minister Stephen Harper of the highest percentage of women to the federal Cabinet in Canadian history as well as designating a Minister of State solely dedicated to the Status of Women. Our Government increased funding to Status of Women programs by 42%, bringing it to its highest level ever, and supporting programs and partnerships that provide grassroots support to the women who need it most.

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