May 3, 2012
HALIFAX - Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women gathered in Halifax on May 2 and 3, 2012. The annual meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada's Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Ministers to exchange insights and discuss developments in the priority areas of improving women's economic security, promoting women's leadership and ending violence against women, each with an ongoing focus on Aboriginal women.
FPT Ministers explored new avenues for advancing women's economic security. In their discussions on emerging issues and best practices, Ministers benefited from the expertise of non-governmental organizations working to promote girls and women in leadership roles and non-traditional occupations in science, engineering and the trades. They also learned about specific initiatives aimed at increasing Aboriginal women's and girls' participation in leadership and decision making.
FPT Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ending violence against women and girls and the importance of engaging all Canadians on this issue. After hearing from leaders in this field, Ministers discussed the most effective ways to reach out to and work meaningfully with men and boys toward this end. They agreed that men and boys must be active participants and allies in solving this enduring problem.
The Ministers look forward to the release, proposed for 2013, of their jointly produced Measuring Violence Against Women: Statistical Trends. Last issued in 2006, the Statistics Canada publication presents national data on the major indicators of violence against women, including up-to-date details on the nature and extent of violence against women.
In recognition of the forum's 30th anniversary and its valuable work to advance equality for women over the intervening years, FPT Ministers issued the Halifax Declaration (attached). While acknowledging past efforts, the forward-looking document emphasizes current priorities and plans for the future.
Prince Edward Island will host the next meeting in 2013.
Read the statement
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