House of Commons votes 287 to 1 on 'Gender Equality Week' Bill.

OTTAWA, Feb. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - Last week, Bill C-309—which seeks to designate the first week of October each and every year as 'Gender Equality Week'—overwhelmingly passed Second Reading in the House of Commons and was referred to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

In developing the Bill, Sven Spengemann, the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, consulted with a wide range of local and national organizations, including women's shelters and women's groups, Indigenous communities, and all other levels of government.

Sven and his team brought this Bill forward after hearing about the full scope of challenges that Canadian women and Canadians of minority gender identity and expression continue to face on a daily basis.

Gender equality and gender equity issues should be front and center for all of us each day of the year. For one designated week, this Bill calls on all Canadians to become involved, to raise awareness of these issues, and to work towards tangible solutions to end gender-based violence and inequalities. Click here to watch Sven speak on his Bill in the House of Commons.

The Bill has received enthusiastic support here in Canada and abroad. 

Rachelle Bergen, one of the founding members of the Mississauga-based organization Strength in Stories, said that "by fostering greater awareness of gender-based gaps in Canada, Gender Equality Week will help create role models and inspire future generations of Canadian women."

Stephen Fuhr, distinguished former CAF pilot and current chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence, said that "Gender Equality Week presents a real opportunity for all Canadians, especially men, to take significant steps to overcome gender inequalities in our communities."

Anne-Marie Slaughter, formerly Director of Policy Planning to then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and current President & CEO of the New America Foundation, said that "part of the government's job is to keep deep gender inequalities first and foremost in the eyes of their people, to spur continuing and sustained action. Gender Equality Week is a valuable step in that direction."

Sven looks forward to discussing his Bill with colleagues and fellow Canadians in the weeks ahead. If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts on the Bill, please contact Sven's Legislative Assistant Adrian Zita-Bennett at [email protected] or 613-992-4848.

SOURCE Office of Sven Spengemann, MP

Adrian Zita-Bennett, [email protected], 613-992-4848