Women’s History Month – Statement by the Leader of the Liberal Party

October 1, 2019

The Leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for Women’s History Month:

“During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls throughout our history and recognize the trailblazing women who have shaped our country.

From one generation to the next, women have built the Canada we know today – but their accomplishments have often gone unrecognized. Gender equality advocates have long led efforts to change that. This year’s theme, ‘Make An Impact,’ encourages us to celebrate their work, and spotlight women everywhere who are breaking glass ceilings and transforming our world for the better.

Over the last four years, our Liberal government has followed their lead. We’re helping more people learn about women leaders throughout our history, with initiatives like making Viola Desmond the face of the $10 bill – and we’re providing more support for the community organizations that are leading the fight for gender equality. Whether it’s launching the first ever federal Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, or investing to double the number of women entrepreneurs by 2025, we’ve made progress to protect women’s rights and make sure people of all gender identities have a fair and equal chance to succeed. We’ve taken up this work beyond our borders, too – from our Feminist International Assistance Policy, to major investments in sexual and reproductive health rights, and in education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations.

We’ve put gender equality at the heart of our work since day one – and we’ll continue to do so. Last month, we announced that a re-elected Liberal government will create hundreds of thousands of new before and after school care spaces, nearly double federal spending on child care, and move forward to deliver guaranteed paid family leave for every new parent in Canada. Because child care still falls disproportionately to women, these measures represent an important step forward for gender equality and will make a difference for families across Canada.

We know there is much more to do to make sure women’s contributions are valued, their voices are heard, and their rights are respected – especially for the most vulnerable women. Trans women, Indigenous women, racialized women, women with disabilities, low-income women, migrant and refugee women, and people of diverse gender identities still face unequal, unacceptable obstacles – and many activists from these groups are leading the fight to change that. Their work is part of a long history of women breaking down barriers – and building a better Canada.

In 2019, we’ve seen an attack on women’s rights around the world, from the legitimization of gender-based violence, to the assault on a woman’s right to choose. Even in Canada, some politicians are intent on rolling back rights and cutting access to important services like health care and sexual assault centres. Women’s History Month reminds us that we can’t lose ground on gender equality – and we need to stand with those who are fighting for it. Today, and every day, let’s come together for a more equal world, and choose forward, for all of us.”