Mr. Speaker, March 8 is International Women's Day.
The majority of the world's poor are women. On average, women earn 40% less than men for the same work.
Throughout the world, the current economic downturn will make things worse for women because the hospitality and retail sectors, which employ primarily women, will be especially affected.
Next week I will be attending a reception held by Black Women's Civic Engagement Network to salute black women in Canada whose leadership, influence and accomplishments have paved the way to success for future generations.
As elected members of a democratic country, we have the moral obligation to achieve true gender equality throughout Canada.