Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark Women's History Month:
"October is Women's History Month in Canada. It is a time to honour the women who changed our country, and to recognize the women changing it today.
Across generations, women have built businesses, advanced science, served in public life, led their communities, and opened doors for those who followed. Some of their names are familiar. Many are not. Women's History Month is a chance to shine a light on the stories too often left out of our history books and recognize how their contributions have shaped Canada.
Women like Agnes Macphail, Janette Bertrand, and Viola Desmond challenged the limits placed on their lives and changed what was possible for others. October also marks the anniversary of the Persons Case. On October 18th, 1929, a landmark decision established that some women could be appointed to the Senate. On Persons Day, we honour the Famous Five who brought that case forward, and the many women who have continued expanding women's participation in public life.
This year marks 50 years since Status of Women Canada was created in 1976. That milestone is a chance to see how far women have brought this country, and to be honest about the work still ahead. Progress did not happen on its own. Women organized, spoke up, led, and refused to accept that things had to stay as they were.
Women helped build Canada. Today, they are helping make it stronger. At a time when Canadian families and businesses face new pressures, we need women's ideas, leadership and work at the centre of building a stronger, more resilient country.
Over the past year, the federal government has committed approximately $1 billion to support Women and Gender Equality Canada's work to advance equality, support 2SLGBTQI+ communities and help prevent and address gender-based violence. That means continuing to remove barriers so more women can build businesses, earn a living, lead in their communities and live safely.
But progress has not reached every woman in the same way. A woman's opportunities can be shaped by racism, disability, gender expression, where she lives, or the support available to her and her family.
For decades, the Women's Program has supported organizations working to remove barriers for women across Canada. Today, that includes projects helping women build economic security, develop leadership skills, participate in civic life, and take their place at tables where decisions are made.
This Women's History Month, I hope Canadians will learn about the women who helped shape their communities and recognize those making a difference today.
History is still being written. Let's keep opening doors for the women who continue to build Canada's future."
