Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on International Women’s Day
– March 8, 2013, Ottawa, Ontario- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark International Women’s Day: “Today, I encourage all Canadians to recognize the tremendous achievements of women in Canada and around the world in promoting equality, peaceful development and in combating violence against women and girls. “Canada’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Working Together: Engaging Men in Ending Violence Against Women, which highlights the importance of engaging men in efforts to prevent such aggression, including playing a role in educating boys about healthy and equal relationships. Our Government supports grassroots organizations across the country for community projects aimed at ending violence against women and girls. These include initiatives addressing violence against women in four key areas: violence committed in the name of so-called ‘honour’; the trafficking of women and girls; women and girls in high-risk neighbourhoods; and engaging men and boys. Our Government has also been taking action by strengthening domestic laws against perpetrators of the most violent crimes and sex offenders who prey on our children. We have also taken several concrete measures to put the central focus of the criminal justice system back where it belongs, on the rights of victims.
“On the global front, Canada is playing a leadership role in the international campaign to prevent sexual violence against women and girls in conflict areas. For example, in October 2012, our Government announced $18.5 million to help support the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are also working with international partners towards putting an end to early and forced marriage.
“On this day, we should all take the time to pay our respects to the exemplary women in our lives. Let us also redouble our efforts towards ensuring that women in all countries can pursue opportunities as equals and in safety.”
Statement by Official Opposition Leader, Tom Mulcair on International Women’s Day
2013 03 08- On this important day, let us acknowledge the political, social and economic progress women have made and celebrate with gratitude those who have paved the way. It was not so long ago that women in this country were not considered to be persons, were not allowed to vote and were discouraged from pursuing higher education.
We have made much progress but there is still so much more to be done to achieve true equality.
New Democrats believe that women deserve fairness, equal opportunity, equal pay for work of equal value, a decent standard of living and the freedom to live without fear.
We will continue fighting to ensure the full and equal rights of all women.
Liberal Statement on International Women’s Day
Posted on March 8, 2013- OTTAWA– Liberal Status of Women critic Judy Sgro made the following statement today on International Women’s Day: “On International Women’s Day, Canadians join in a global celebration of women’s fundamental human rights. We take this opportunity to celebrate the many substantial advances women have achieved politically, socially and economically, and acknowledge the struggle undertaken to secure these rights. On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I reaffirm our commitment to advocate for the full and substantive equality of all women and girls, both here in Canada and around the world.”
Chair of the Liberal Women’s Caucus, Dr. Carolyn Bennett, continued: “While in Canada women have achieved notable success in advancing equality rights, there is still much more to be done. It is a sad reality that so many women’s voices are still ignored, especially Indigenous women, those facing economic hardship or women in remote areas. Furthermore, this Conservative government has continued to undermine gender equality, from backdoor attempts to reopen the abortion debate to cancelling universal childcare and defunding women’s groups.
As this year’s theme suggests, we must work together to engage men to end violence against women. Today and every day, Liberals stand with all those speaking out to make our country a safer place for all.”
Vice-Chair of the Liberal Women’s Caucus, Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, concluded:
“International Women’s Day serves as a call to Canadians and citizens around the world to keep striving for gender equality, notably when it comes to the participation of women in political and corporate governance. I support women in these leadership roles as it provides them with the opportunity to bring attention to women’s issues, to fight for women’s rights, and to be an inspiration to all women in Canada and abroad. The strength of any society worldwide is dependent on the full participation and advancement of women in the economy and government.”
Source: http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberal-statement-international-womens-day-2/