(OTTAWA) – Today, during International Women’s Day, the Green Party of Canada joins Canadians as they celebrate the achievements of women, while recognizing the challenges that lie ahead:
“As we celebrate women around the world today, we must remain vigilant on issues of gender equality. In Canada, we are finally making progress on pay equity for women,” said Elizabeth May, Party Leader and MP (Saanich-Gulf Islands). “In October 2016, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour committed to bringing forward legislation for pay equity, and I urge the Minister to introduce this legislation as soon as possible.
"Despite progress, we must recognize that we still live in a patriarchy. The advent of Trump has created an apparent permission to be misogynist. We have to be very vigilant to step up for women's rights.
“By embarking on meaningful policy action in government, we can advance equality and accelerate gender parity. Inequality and gender bias in the workplace must be eliminated, and the government needs to lead.”
“We also await meaningful action resulting from the national inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, and we must continue to support societal institutions that confront violence against women as a whole. There is still much work to be done.”
International Women’s Day was first recognized by the U.N. General Assembly in 1977 and is celebrated on March 8 every year.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
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