Minister Chagger delivers keynote address at the She-Era 2017 Global Conference on Women and Entrepreneurship Français
Minister emphasizes Canada's continued commitment to supporting women's economic empowerment through investments and actions
HANGZHOU, China, July 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Full gender equality, including women's economic empowerment, is necessary for effective poverty reduction and economic growth both in Canada and around the world. This is the message that the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, delivered today in a keynote address at the 2017 Global Conference on Women and Entrepreneurship in Hangzhou, China.
During her address, "Closing the Economic Inequality Gap: A Woman's Perspective," Minister Chagger spoke about how the Government of Canada is approaching the issue of economic inequality among women and is working to address it by promoting diversity, women's entrepreneurship and gender parity.
The Minister highlighted some of the actions being taken, such as the progressive trade agenda; the introduction of Bill C-25, legislation aimed at improving the representation of women on corporate boards and in senior management; the encouragement of female participation in science, technology, engineering and math; flexible work arrangements; and pay equity legislation for workers in federally regulated industries.
The conference brings together women from around the world and various industries to facilitate female entrepreneurship and create networks. Participants also heard from Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group; Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations; renowned fashion icon Vera Wang; and Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba. The conference also featured video messages from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.
Quote
"Canada is committed to diversity and equality, including gender equality and women's empowerment. I'm proud to represent Prime Minister Trudeau and the Government of Canada at this impressive conference and thrilled to hear from the inspiring and diverse group of leaders and role models to women around the world. Today, women around the world are rising to success and leading impressive enterprises, and I believe that events like this help raise awareness, provide a venue for open dialogue and the sharing of experiences, and encourage women and men to take stronger action to promote equality into the future."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
Quick facts
- The Global Conference on Women and Entrepreneurship is hosted by Alibaba, the world's largest retailer.
- "Empowerment, Compassion, Aspiration" is the theme of this year's conference, which features discussions on how women can develop and grow in the SHE•ERA.
- Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises owned by women contribute an estimated $160 billion in economic activity to the Canadian economy.
Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Jonathan Dignan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-291-2700; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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