Serré celebrates the first Gender Equality Week in Canada

Marc Serré
Member of Parliament / Député
Nickel Belt

September 25, 2018

Show your support for gender equality week from September 23-29

NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – On behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, is encouraging everyone to join in the celebrations for Gender Equality Week and recognize the advocates in their community who are working to achieve progress.

“This year marks a milestone in Canadian history with the celebration of the first annual Gender Equality Week. This new commemorative date is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the individuals in Nickel Belt-Greater Sudbury who are taking initiative to bring about real change and to applaud their tireless efforts, while reflecting on the work that remains to ensure that all Canadians have an equal and fair chance at success,” Serré said.

The theme for Gender Equality Week this year is Gender equality benefits everyone, inspired by the fact that we all gain from advancing gender equality. “It is fundamental to increasing our country’s economic prosperity, improving our collective health and happiness, upholding fairness and human rights, promoting peace and security, and helping create a world of limitless possibilities – for women, men and people of all gender identities,” he added.

Gender Equality Week is the result of the passage of Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which was introduced by Sven Spengemann, Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Lakeshore with all party support, and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018.

“I hope the residents of Nickel Belt-Greater Sudbury join me in celebrating Gender Equality Week and share their support for an equal Canada with the hashtag #EveryoneBenefits. Together, we can create a country where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Serré concluded.

To learn more about Gender Equality Week, visit women.gc.ca.

Quick Facts

• Canada is celebrating its first annual Gender Equality Week from September 23-29 to promote gender equality and inclusion in every aspect of Canadian life.
• Gender Equality Week is the result of the passage of Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which designates the fourth week in September each year as Gender Equality Week.
• Advancing gender equality helps increase Canada’s economic prosperity – RBC Economics estimates that adding more women to the workforce could boost the level of Canada’s GDP by as much as 4 per cent.
• Involving more women in peace building is vital to creating a safe and secure world. When women fully participate in peace processes, peace agreements are more durable: they are 20% more likely to last at least two years and 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.
• In a more gender equal society, employees are more likely to advance to leadership roles; fathers are happier and more involved in the home; mental health improves for everyone; and people communicate more openly and meaningfully in their relationships.