WEBVTT

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Here in the Defence Team,

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we need to recognize the reality
of what many women endure

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in the course
of doing their jobs.

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And how harsh
that reality can be,

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to both them as individuals,

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and to the wider Defence Team
we're all a part of.

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Women on our Defence Team are
soldiers, sailors and aircrew.

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Finance experts.
General and Flag officers.

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Helicopter pilots.

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Assistant Deputy Ministers.
Policy analysts.

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Task Force Commanders.
Lawyers. Graphic artists.

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Master Warrant Officers.
Communications experts.

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Trainers and instructors
and so much more.

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They lead. They inspire.
They reflect the best of Canada

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to our allies around the world.

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None of the women
in this Defence Team

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are here by accident.

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They are here because of
their choice, of sheer grit,

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and because of what
they contribute.

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They are here because
they belong here,

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no matter what anyone else says.

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In many cases, they are here
despite what others have said,

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and the obstacles that
have been raised against them.

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The voices of women
from our Defence Team,

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past, present, and future,
must be heard.

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It is every Defence Team
member's job to listen,

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to hear, and to understand
that what was,

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and in many cases can no longer
be permitted to stand.

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Because it is not enough
to simply recognize

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what we have accomplished,
hard as it was.

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Those of us who are here now
need to double our efforts

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so that future generations can
and want to imagine themselves

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as contributors to our team.

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Canada is a stronger, better
country because of the women

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who work across this Defence
Team and I thank you.