Here in the Defence Team,
we need to recognize the reality
of what many women endure
in the course
of doing their jobs.
And how harsh
that reality can be,
to both them as individuals,
and to the wider Defence Team
we're all a part of.
Women on our Defence Team are
soldiers, sailors and aircrew.
Finance experts.
General and Flag officers.
Helicopter pilots.
Assistant Deputy Ministers.
Policy analysts.
Task Force Commanders.
Lawyers. Graphic artists.
Master Warrant Officers.
Communications experts.
Trainers and instructors
and so much more.
They lead. They inspire.
They reflect the best of Canada
to our allies around the world.
None of the women
in this Defence Team
are here by accident.
They are here because of
their choice, of sheer grit,
and because of what
they contribute.
They are here because
they belong here,
no matter what anyone else says.
In many cases, they are here
despite what others have said,
and the obstacles that
have been raised against them.
The voices of women
from our Defence Team,
past, present, and future,
must be heard.
It is every Defence Team
member's job to listen,
to hear, and to understand
that what was,
and in many cases can no longer
be permitted to stand.
Because it is not enough
to simply recognize
what we have accomplished,
hard as it was.
Those of us who are here now
need to double our efforts
so that future generations can
and want to imagine themselves
as contributors to our team.
Canada is a stronger, better
country because of the women
who work across this Defence
Team and I thank you.