Mr. Speaker, this year the theme for International Women's Day will be “Going Strong—Celebrating Older Women”. This theme was chosen to coincide with the International Year of Older Persons as declared by the United Nations for 1999.
Secretary General Koffi Annan has said “As we reflect on a half century of human rights advocacy, and as we resolve to do better where we have failed or fallen short, the situation of older women warrants special attention”.
Women make up a large share of our senior population and, while many are active and independent, older women are among the poorest people in Canada.
Without the resources and support they need, these women are faced with significant obstacles to independence, health and the ability to remain active members of society.
As we prepare together to celebrate International Women's Day next Monday, March 8, let us rededicate this House and ourselves to the challenge of promoting fairness, equity and respect for older women in Canada.