Mr. Speaker, on March 8, we will celebrate International Women's Day. Events to mark women's contribution began in Europe in 1910, but it was not until 1977 that the UN established Women's Day.
The theme adopted by the Fédération des femmes du Québec to mark this 30th anniversary of Women's Day is “Toute l'égalité. L'égalité pour toutes”, that is, full equality; equality for all. Although women are equal to men in the eyes of the law, they are not yet equal in fact.
International Women's Day is a time to remember the battles waged and the victories won and to make people aware of just how much work still remains to be done. In 2003, for example, the average salary for women was $28,200, compared to $39,700 for men.
My Bloc Québécois colleagues and I stand in solidarity with women and demand that the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women give women back the programs that will help them achieve equality.
Happy International Women's Day.