WEBVTT

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Today, I am honoured
to participate,

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as the Acting Chief
of the Defence Staff,

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on International Women's Day,

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the theme of which
is "Women in leadership:

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Achieving an equal future
in a COVID-19 world."

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Over the past month, we've had
cause to reflect on our values,

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our culture, and our workplace.

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We have had, and will continue
to have, necessary conversations

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about the tangible changes
that we need to make.

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But today is a day to celebrate
women's achievements.

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It is a day to honour
their contributions.

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It is a day to lift women up.

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To inspire. To share joy.

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To build community.

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During this pandemic,
we have asked our members

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to fight against COVID-19
at home and abroad.

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In our medical occupations,

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women make up almost
half of our workforce,

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and they have been on the front
lines each and every day.

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They've worked tirelessly
to save lives.

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They were part of the teams
who helped Canadians return

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from China and Japan
at the onset of the pandemic.

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And today, as Canadian Rangers,

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women contribute to our efforts
to support and safeguard

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Northern and Indigenous
communities across the country.

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As challenging as COVID-19
has been for all of us,

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we remain mission focused.

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This is evident in our ongoing
operations overseas,

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many of which are led
and composed of women

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proudly serving their country.

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Missions like training
Ukrainian Security Forces,

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contributing to peace
support operations in Mali,

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Kosovo, and Cyprus;

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and disrupting drug trafficking

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in the Caribbean
and Eastern Pacific.

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Women in uniform
have represented Canada

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on the world stage,

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women like Commodore Josee Kurtz

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and Major General
Jennie Carignan,

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who recently commanded
multinational forces overseas.

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Each leader paves
the way for the next.

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For example, soon, we will
see a transfer of command

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in Operation UNIFIER
in the Ukraine,

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from LCol Sarah Heer
to LCol Melanie Lake.

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On missions around the world,

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women continue
to lead from the front,

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women like LCol Jaime Phillips,

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our Task Force Commander
in Bamako, Mali.

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Together, guided by the Defence
Women's Advisory Organization,

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defence researchers,

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and the lived experiences
of our members,

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we will continue
to push forward.

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We need to identify
and then dismantle the barriers

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that prevent women's meaningful
participation in the CAF,

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across all environments,
occupations, and ranks.

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That means changing outdated
policies and outdated mindsets.

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We need to be flexible

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and offer people career paths
that work for them

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using a personalized approach

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based on an individual's
circumstances.

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And we need to encourage
and support women

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as they develop
in their careers.

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You know as I do that those
in leadership positions,

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of which most are held by men,
have a responsibility to mentor,

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sponsor and advocate for women

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who are coming up
through the ranks.

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We have an active role to play
in creating a CAF culture

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that is equitable
and inclusive for women.

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Every day around the world,

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Canadian women in uniform
are serving with duty,

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with honour, with integrity,
and with courage.

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They are protecting Canadians,

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defending our country,
and contributing

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to international security
and stability.

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At every level, women
in our military demonstrate

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the very best
Canada has to offer.

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To everyone watching,
thank you for participating

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in today's International
Women's Day celebration.

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I look forward to continued
collaboration with all of you

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to make the Canadian
Armed Forces

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a stronger, more inclusive,

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and more effective organization.

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Thank you.