Mr. Speaker, as Gender Equality Week wraps up, I want to highlight why we have so much to be proud of here in Canada.
Our feminist government has maintained gender parity in cabinet, passed the Pay Equity Act and created a department dedicated to women and gender equality. It is boosting women's economic power with programs like the national child care plan, the menstrual equity fund and the women entrepreneurship fund. All of the above were opposed by the Conservatives.
Recently, as parliamentary secretary, I participated in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. I was often moved to tears by people who approached me to say how much they respected and admired what we have in Canada and that they want similar woman-friendly programs in their countries, like our commitment to gender-based analysis plus in all government legislation and initiatives, and our 10-year action plan to fight gender-based violence.
When women have access to equal pay and support systems, our whole society benefits.