Ministerial Message - International Women’s Day - March 8, 2018

Today is International Women’s Day, a day when people across Canada and the world come together to affirm their commitment to gender equality. It is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments women have made and continue to make in the world, and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality, especially in health.

Our Government is committed to ensuring that girls and women have access to the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential. We will continue to promote sexual health, physical and emotional health for mothers and children, and healthy relationships by preventing gender-based violence.

As a woman, a former social worker and Minister of Health, I strongly support the steps our Government has taken over the last year to address gender-based health inequities, including those that affect the most vulnerable in our society. This includes working closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to improve the health of women and girls in safe and culturally appropriate ways. Examples of this work are supporting healthy pregnancies and increasing the number of Indigenous people pursuing health careers, such as midwifery.

I encourage you to join Canadians across the country today, and throughout the year, as we recognize the many contributions women make to our families, communities and country, and take action to encourage gender equality at home and abroad.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor

Minister of Health