The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, on behalf of the Provincial Government, I would like to acknowledge that March 8 of last week was International Women’s Day, and people of all genders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador joined in marking this important occasion.

This is a global day of celebration for the achievements of women here in the province, and around the world. Women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador are making strides and forging change in a variety of sectors and industries, which is certainly something to celebrate.

Speaker, last week I was honoured to attend the 67th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women as a part of the Canadian delegation. This event was an incredible and unique opportunity to learn from and connect with global leaders about how to leverage technology to combat gender barriers.

It also allowed space to share the important work happening to advance gender equality in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the learnings from this event will be another reference point as we work to ensure that our policies, programs and services are relevant, timely, and promote gender equity in the province.

Collectively, we must continue to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

Thank you.