Seeks election to UN Status of Women Commission to strengthen Canada's voice
NEW YORK, NY, March 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, was joined by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, and Anju Dhillon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women, in highlighting progress throughout the week that Canada made for women and girls at this year's session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).
Canada announced it is running for a seat on the UNCSW for the 2017 to 2021 term. Gaining a seat will strengthen Canada's voice in shaping the Commission's work to address the challenges women and girls face around the world. This effort also reflects Canada's support for the United Nations, and its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in the world.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau actively participated in the sixtieth session of the UNCSW, including being designated a 'champion' of UN Women's HeForShe campaign, which underscored the high level leadership role Canada is taking on. HeForShe is a solidarity movement that calls upon men and boys to stand up against the persistent inequalities faced by women and girls globally.
The UNCSW panel discussion that focused on creating pathways to equality for Indigenous women and girls provided valuable insights that will contribute to the federal government's engagement with Indigenous communities moving forward. As part of the federal government's commitment to take action, the Government of Canada highlighted its launch of a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls to develop concrete, achievable recommendations for the prevention of violence against Indigenous women and girls. This inquiry is an important part of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Quick Facts
- In addition to federal representatives, Canada's delegation to this year's UNCSW session included representation from provincial and territorial governments, and non-governmental organizations, including Indigenous women's organizations.
Quotes
"Leading the Canadian delegation for the 60th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is an incredible honour. As Canada seeks to renew its commitment to advancing gender equality globally, we intend to have an even greater role shaping promising futures for women and girls at home and around the world. We are therefore seeking a seat on the Commission for the 2017 to 2021 term. We were inspired by the sharing and learning opportunities presented by UNCSW this year and we will return to Canada determined to continue working towards equality for women and girls."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Status of Women
"This week, we've heard bold recommendations and diverse insights on gender equality and the empowerment of women. I want to thank all domestic and international partners for their contributions, including on the empowerment of – and pathways to equality for – Indigenous women and girls. We need to continue to work together to ensure the voices, perspectives, talents, and expertise of all women are heard and valued as we move forward."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"We cannot ignore half of the world's population. Women and girls must be present at the table to discuss and decide on issues affecting their lives. Canada will once again be at the forefront of global efforts aimed at empowering women, and advocating for their health and rights. It was critical to meet with partners and allies to reaffirm our explicit commitment in support of access to sexual and reproductive health services for all women and adolescents."
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
"It has been an honour and a privilege to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women as part of Canada's official delegation. As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, I am proud to be part of a government who strongly believes in the promotion and advancement of gender equality, and the full realization of human rights for women and girls. Our government is committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive federal strategy against gender-based violence, particularly against Indigenous women and girls. Gender-based violence has no place in society - our approach to end this injustice will focus on prevention, support for victims and criminal justice responses."
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Erik Mistal, Special Assistant, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 819-997-2494, [email protected]; Bernard Boutin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, 343-203-5977, [email protected] ; Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002, 819-420-6810; Joanne Ghiz, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Justice, [email protected]
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