Mr. Speaker, on Friday, March 5, I will be hosting a breakfast in my riding to commemorate International Women's Day and to celebrate the accomplishments of the women of Parkdale—High Park.
International Women's Day in Canada was born in the 1900s. Women in large urban centres began fighting unsafe working conditions, contesting low wages and the lack of job security. In 1907 International Women's Day was first celebrated in Copenhagen, Denmark, where thousands of women rallied and marched in the streets.
Parkdale—High Park will celebrate the success of local women, including Connie Dejak, Vice-President of the Runnymede Chronic Care Hospital; Susan D'Olivera, of the Parkdale Community Watch; Dorothy Grey from the Parkdale Community Station; Mary Jo Leddy, a professor and refugee activist; award winning and critically acclaimed actor Fiona Reid; and film and television producer Mary Young-Leckie.
International Women's Day is a wonderful occasion to acknowledge the progress made by women from all walks of life in the advancement of gender equality, as well as an opportunity to honour all women in our communities.