Statement from Ministers Bennett, Philpott and Monsef on the National Moose Hide Campaign Gathering and Day of Fasting

OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, together with the Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, and the Minister of Status of Women, Maryam Monsef, issued the following statement today:

"Today at the National Moose Hide Campaign Gathering and Day of Fasting, many Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys are standing up and speaking out against violence towards women and children.

Joining their voices are those of survivors and family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Their message is loud and clear – faced with the unacceptable and tragic reality of the high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls, we must take action now.

Our government strongly believes in the empowerment of women and the engagement of men across the country as key partners to effectively end gender-based violence. Violence against Indigenous women and girls is not a women's issue, or an Indigenous issue. It is an issue for all Canadians. Each of us must stand up, speak out, and take action to end gender-based violence and to honour, respect and protect Indigenous women and girls.

We are committed to preventing violence against women and girls and to promoting gender equality. The status quo is unacceptable and we are firmly committed to moving forward with Indigenous partners to take concrete action to end this tragedy. Our government is making important investments to prevent and address violence ‎against Indigenous women and girls through the implementation of the first ever federal strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence; we are consulting Canadians on how men and boys can be better engaged in advancing gender equality; and we have awarded $750,000 to support the work of the Moose Hide Campaign, which is on the frontlines inspiring men and boys to combat violence against women and children.

We recognize and congratulate all of the men and boys who have stood in support of this cause today with the Moose Hide Campaign. We encourage all men across Canada to participate in this important initiative and be part of the solution by taking the pledge to end gender-based violence. Men and boys should serve as positive role models in promoting gender equality. By working together, we will put an end to violence against Indigenous women and girls."

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

media may contact: James Fitz-Morris, Director of Communications and Issues Management, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Justine Villeneuve, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-558-9795; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]; Media Relations, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-8684, [email protected]

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