I am asked to bring to a close a conference that I did not attend, which is always a little frustrating; I am sure it has been a success and that I would have learned a lot. I look forward to reading the report my spies will prepare. The conference and this evening's reception are among many activities that celebrate our 40th anniversary: it was 40 years ago that Europe opened a diplomatic mission in Ottawa-the third of its kind after Washington and Tokyo. Since then, Canada has had only to congratulate itself for its partnership with its European friends. The same is certainly true for many other countries around the world.
Good evening, distinguished guests and colleagues. I am thrilled to be here on behalf of the Government of Canada, and in support of Jordan's ambition to champion women's rights through our collective engagement this week and in the months ahead.
You will understand that I am unable today to present the definitive architecture of the Government of Canada's international security policy. That policy will be developed by the government and the Prime Minister in the comings weeks and months.
Dear partners, colleagues, media representatives, Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Burlington Karina Gould, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Thank you for being here.
Ladies and gentlemen, to speak in front of you about climate change as a risk amplifier for security is quite a challenge. After all, you are among the best experts that the United States and Canada have produced on this crucial issue. So I will not pretend to teach you anything; my objective is rather to reassure you that as a minister, I am fully seized with how critical the topic of this conference is for humankind.
Following up on Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau's comments, I will briefly explain why Canada will actively campaign for a seat within the crucially important body that is the United Nations Security Council.
Thanks to all of you for participating in this event.
Girls and women are powerful agents of change. That is why we need to ensure they have the tools and opportunities to build the world they desire.
We know that sexual and reproductive health is not only a matter of health. It's also about human rights and gender equality.
Women and girls are often the most marginalized, the poorest and the hardest-to-reach people in communities.
