Gender Equality and a Strong Middle Class Are the Key to Global Prosperity, Minister Morneau Tells G20, IMF and World Bank  

April 22, 2017 – Washington, D.C. – Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure the middle class and those working to join it have a real and fair chance at success, which will help ensure a stronger economy at home and around the world. Canada's approach of putting people first through smart and responsible investments once again garnered global recognition this week during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau met with his G20, IMF and World Bank partners to talk about Canada's approach to creating growth that is shared by the middle class and those working to join it. The Minister highlighted key measures from Budget 2017 aimed at equipping Canadians for the jobs and opportunities in the new, innovative global economy. The Minister also shared Canada's approach of being open to the world, trade and investment, and embracing diversity and equality as strengths and drivers of economic growth.

While in Washington this week, the Minister participated in panels on the global economy and gender equality. During the discussions, the Minister highlighted Canada's first-ever Gender Statement, which serves as a basis for more open and transparent discussions on bringing about greater equality for all through government policies. The Minister also delivered remarks at an event hosted by the McKinsey Center for Government, which released a report on government productivity.