Statement from the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Veterans Affairs on the Occasion of International Women’s Day

Statement

March 8, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Veterans Affairs Canada

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Seamus O’Regan issued the following statement for International Women’s Day:

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we honour and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in Canada, and consider next steps in advancing gender equality both in Canada and throughout the world.

“Our women and men in uniform lead by example. The Canadian Armed Forces is proud to be a military force that recognizes the importance of diversity in overall mission success, and Canada is proud to be one of the first nations to allow women to serve in all military occupations.

“Today, women serve as equals and leaders on military operations, and play an instrumental role in their success. Our women in uniform are role models not only for our future generations here in Canada, but for the countries around the world in which they serve.

“We are grateful to our women in uniform, and we are committed to cultivating a gender-inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, supported and respected. We will continue to work to increase gender representation across all trades and ranks.

“Throughout our history, Canadian women have made our country and our military stronger through military and public service. We remember those women who, in their time, were ‘the first’ or ‘the only one,’ and we are inspired by their legacy as we make progress towards advancing gender equality.

“We can always do better, and we will. We invite all Canadians to join us in empowering women and girls in our communities, not just on this International Women’s Day, but on every day of the year.”

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