Mr. Speaker, today is International Women's Day. We remember the battles that our mothers, sisters and daughters have fought to have their rights recognized.
Today is the perfect day to remember that, in Canada, gender equality is a basic right.
Violence against women is still a major cause for concern. Our government is taking action to end violence against women and girls. In last week's throne speech, we promised to better protect women by cracking down on crime and addressing unresolved cases of murdered and missing aboriginal women. Our government will continue to launch initiatives to improve the lives of women in Canada and abroad.
Today, people around the world are celebrating women's progress. I wish all women of Quebec and Canada a happy International Women's Day.