Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work of FAFIA, the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action, whose national symposium and general meeting I had the pleasure of attending in Regina on September 19.
FAFIA is a coalition of over 50 women's organizations whose mandate is to further women's equality in Canada through the domestic implementation of Canada's international and national human rights and policy commitments. FAFIA and its constituent organizations address issues such as violence, poverty and housing, women's trade and economic justice, gender equity in budgeting, and pay equity. Dedicated women and men are engaged to ensure that women from all backgrounds have the opportunity for full participation in all aspects of Canadian society.
At the meeting in Regina, I had the opportunity do a presentation to those attending on the work undertaken to date by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. I want to thank FAFIA members for the invitation and wish them much success with their daunting agenda.