May 1, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department for Women and Gender Equality
The Government of Canada believes that everyone has a role to play in championing gender equality and in taking action to ensure that all people - regardless of their gender or sexual orientation - can succeed in Canada and around the world.
That's why today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, officially launched the Government of Canada's Conversations on Gender Equality with Young Canadians, in honour of the inaugural meeting of the Youth Working Group on Gender Equality (YWG). The initiative was created thanks to a Budget 2018 investment of $7.2 million over five years in the Department for Women and Gender Equality to hold a national discussion on gender equality with young Canadians.
The Youth Working Group on Gender Equality is comprised of passionate, engaged young people who will lead initiatives to advance gender equality in Canada. They are meeting in Ottawa to develop strategies for a more inclusive society and exchange ideas with young leaders from across Canada on ways to further advance gender equality.
Many members will also take part in the Youth Summit, hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, which is being held in Ottawa this week. During the summit, Minister Monsef will underscore Canada's commitment to achieving gender equality through the empowerment of women, girls, and people of all genders across the country. Members of the group will be joined by other engaged youth from across Canada to discuss some of the most critical issues facing youth in the world today, particularly those facing young women, girls, and LGBTQ2 individuals.
The Youth Working Group on Gender Equality is comprised of passionate, engaged young people who will lead initiatives to advance gender equality in Canada.
The National Youth Summit will also host other activities and discussions on issues of concern to youth, including: youth policy and service; health and wellness; employment, innovation, skills, and learning; environment and climate change; and leadership, social impact, and democratic participation.
"Young people today are part of the most powerful generation to have ever lived, and their engagement is essential to advancing gender equality. Yet we know they have the most at stake and the least voice at the table. That is why our government is engaging youth across Canada to hear their diverse perspectives and get their innovative ideas on how we can make Canada a more equal place for people of all genders. Everyone has a role to play, and I look forward to engaging with these young leaders at Canada's first National Youth Summit, and beyond."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Quick facts
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There are 9 million youth across the country, aged 15 to 34 - that's about one-quarter of the country's population.
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The Department for Women and Gender Equality is launching a Youth Working Group on Gender Equality to develop a strategy to engage young Canadians on gender equality.
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In July 2016, the Government of Canada launched the Prime Minister's Youth Council as a platform for young people to engage directly with the Prime Minister and the Government to ensure that we do a better job of understanding and addressing the needs and perspectives of Canada's youth.
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The Youth Summit, a Privy Council Office initiative, will be held in Ottawa on May 2 and 3 where the Government of Canada will host 300 young activists from across Canada.
