Statement from Minister Bennett on International Women's Day

Ottawa, Ontario - (March 8, 2018) - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together to acknowledge the work and leadership of women who have preceded us and those who continue to fight for equal rights and equality for women around the world.

As a doctor, a Canadian, a woman, I know for certain that more work needs to be done.  Still today, we are witnessing the realities of the inequality that exists in our country. Through the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we are faced with the truth of unacceptable rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls that can no longer be ignored.

As the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, I believe #MyFeminism is about equality for all. When First Nations, Inuit and Métis women are empowered, their families, communities and all of Canada benefit. We see this with the increasing number of Indigenous women leaders – many leading the way to self-government.

On February 14, the Prime Minister announced that, together with Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada will create a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework. This announcement is further evidence of Canada’s commitment to renew its relationship with First Nation, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

To ensure the Framework is truly representative of the rights, needs and interests of all Indigenous peoples, we are making a special effort to ensure women's voices are heard. To this end, we have developed women-specific engagement sessions to enable women to share their views on how to effectively dismantle colonial, patriarchal structures, and how we can support the empowerment of Indigenous women through the Framework.

As a Government, we are committed to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to ensure Canada’s laws and policies live up to what we stand for, a more equal and inclusive future.”


For more information, media may contact:

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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