Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be in the House today, during my maternity leave, to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
I stand here holding my daughter, Matina, in my arms. As I look at her, I think about the future I want for her.
I am talking about a future where every woman and every girl can love, can dream and can walk alone freely without fear, a future where existence itself is never a risk.
On the status of women committee, we heard about the changes needed to the justice system. We heard from countless witnesses about the urgent need for prevention, awareness and better support for women. We must strengthen protection for victims and survivors and ensure that there are real consequences for abusers and for perpetrators of violence.
I will continue to prioritize these issues, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in government to make our country safer for women and girls.