Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Canadian Red Cross as it celebrates 100 years of service.
This organization is renowned for dealing with crucial issues to women in our society: health care, violence and sexual exploitation.
I would like to highlight one project in particular, implemented by the Canadian Red Cross, called ENLACE, in Nicaragua. The project fills in health care coverage gaps, including family planning, immunization and pre- and post-natal care. The Red Cross works closely with women, volunteers and residents of isolated communities to improve their health care. The ENLACE project also works toward gender equality.
As the MP for northern Manitoba, a region with many women living in poverty, a lack of health care services and high rates of infant mortality, I recognize the need to heed the initiatives taken on by the Red Cross and strengthen such programs in first nations and rural communities in our north.
Congratulations to the Canadian Red Cross as it continues to provide important services here and abroad. One hundred years and counting.