Mr. Speaker, this week marks National Elizabeth Fry Week. It is intended to enhance public awareness about the circumstances of victimized and criminalized women in the criminal justice system. Because the majority of women who are in our prison system are mothers, this week always precedes Mother's Day.
Almost three-quarters of women serving federal sentences in Canada have a history of physical abuse and over half, sexual abuse. Aboriginal women represent 29% of the female prisoners despite making up only 2% of the greater population.
Many women in prisons have low literacy skill and 79% do not have a high school diploma. Globally, women are the fastest growing prison population.
This Mother's Day, I encourage everyone to think of the women across this great country who, due to sad circumstances, will not be with their families.