Hon. Helena Guergis, P.C.,M.P. joined all federal parties in supporting Equal Voices Canada Challenge 2009
Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, c’est un plaisir d’être ici parmi vous aujourd’hui. I would like to thank Equal Voice for organizing this event today, and I would like to congratulate them on their initiative Canada Challenge 2009: Building the Momentum to Elect More Women.
Seeing members from all parties here today demonstrates the importance of seeing more women in the House of Commons. This is an issue that should transcend partisan lines, and I am proud to stand here today as both the Minister of State for the Status of Women and as a Conservative M.P. to pledge the Conservative Party’s support for the Canada Challenge. Notre gouvernement s’est engagé à promouvoir l'égalité des femmes.
As Minister of State for the Status of Women, I would like to offer my personal support and reaffirm this Government’s commitment to increase the participation of women in Canada's political life, particularly in our Federal Parliament. Today, our Government has the highest number of women in the House of Commons, we appointed the first Minister of State solely dedicated to the Status of Women and we have the highest percentage of women appointed to Cabinet in Canadian history, but we still have more to do.
Canadian women have the skills and talents to substantively engage in the political process. Our Government believes women must have every opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Canadian democracy. Canadian women have come a long way in our efforts to achieving political equality, and our Government will continue to work towards the full equality and representation of women in Canada.
Thank-you. Je vous remercie.
