Friday, March 8, 2019 ~ BC.
Premier John Horgan and Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, have released the following statement celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2019:
“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the women’s movement and honour the work of those who continue to fight sexism, gender-based discrimination, harassment and violence every day.
“We are at a critical moment in the history of the struggle for gender equality. People from around the globe are joining together, raising their voices, telling their stories and fighting to end gender-based discrimination.
“Through the appointment of a parliamentary secretary for gender equity and British Columbia’s first gender-equal cabinet, we are ensuring that women’s voices and experiences are reflected in all the work we do as a government.
“Our investments in child care will help parents, especially women, build good lives for their families and pursue their careers. We are tackling the housing crisis so everyone in B.C. has a safe place to call home, including transition homes for women and children leaving domestic violence.
“Our increase to the minimum wage, work to break down barriers for women in trades and our elimination of interest on B.C. student loans will help women throughout the province pursue good jobs.
“We must recognize that Indigenous women, women of colour, immigrant women, trans people and women with disabilities disproportionately experience gender-based harassment, violence and discrimination. Every step forward must include and acknowledge their voices and seek to understand their experiences.
“Our government will continue to use our platforms to speak out in the fight for equality. By expanding women’s access to child care, health care, education and training, affordable housing, counselling and crisis support services, as well as support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, we are working to advance gender equality all over B.C.
“A stronger, fairer and more-inclusive province means a better life for everyone. Together, we can advance equality and build a brighter future for women, girls and trans people in British Columbia, in Canada and around the world.”