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OTTAWA, ON, March 8, 2025 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released the following statement today in observance of International Women’s Day:
“Women across Canada have dramatically improved our nation. Today, we recognize their significant accomplishments, celebrate their history of challenging conventions and empowering others, and emphasize the need for continued progress.
“Greater gender equality leads to stronger, more equitable economies. By providing meaningful support, value, and empowerment to women and girls, we overcome obstacles, drive advancement, and pave the way for a better future. This involves expanding women’s career options, addressing the gender pay gap, and reinforcing our shared dedication to women’s leadership in various sectors, from government to business to education.
“Since 2015, we have achieved considerable and important advancements. Thanks to our pioneering, universal , families, particularly mothers, are receiving the necessary assistance to enter or remain in the workforce while raising their children. Earlier this week, we finalized extension agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories to broaden access to affordable child care for more families.
“We also launched Canada’s first , supported by an investment of almost $7 billion, to help female entrepreneurs launch, grow, and excel in their businesses. The ensures greater female representation in leadership positions.
“Internationally, our ensures Canada maintains its position as a global leader in promoting gender equality. Annually, we invest an average of $1.4 billion to further our , with $700 million specifically allocated to supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls. We are actively promoting the message that sexual and reproductive care is an integral part of healthcare.
“In line with the and the , we are dedicated to resolving the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. This includes initiatives such as the pilot project in Manitoba, which aims to inform the public when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit person, or gender-diverse individual goes missing, to ensure their safe return. Furthermore, in partnership with provinces and territories, we are advancing the to provide essential support to victims, survivors, and their families, upholding everyone’s right to a life free from violence.
“Finally, our government is resolutely pro-choice. This means not only supporting the right to choose but also increasing the available options for women. Through our , we are providing free contraception, including birth control pills, IUDs, and emergency contraception, empowering women to make informed decisions about family planning. This coverage will provide nine million women with greater and more affordable choices, ensuring their reproductive freedom is not limited by financial constraints.
“On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the invaluable contributions of women and girls to our communities, our nation, and the world. We all have a crucial role to play – as partners and allies – in achieving gender equality and building a brighter future. When women and girls thrive, we all benefit.”
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SOURCE Prime Minister’s Office