Minister Garneau highlights the roles women play in Canada’s transportation system

Transcript

Hello everyone.

Today is International Women’s Day.

It’s an occasion to celebrate the achievements of women, past and present, in many fields of endeavour.

It’s a day to be glad about the tremendous progress women have made towards equality.

But it’s also a day to reflect on what we still need to do to ensure that women have the same rights and opportunities as men.

As you know, the Prime Minister has made achieving gender parity a priority for his Cabinet.

And the Government of Canada believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion – in all areas of government, and indeed, in all aspects of Canadian life.

That’s why we are using methods like Gender-Based Analysis Plus to ensure that our policies and programs meet the needs of all Canadians.

More than ever before, women across this country are occupying jobs that were traditionally reserved for men.

But in transportation, recent studies show that women make up only 23 per cent of those employed in the sector.

That has to change, and I want my department to be part of that change.

l am proud to say that Transport Canada is open to all talents, and that women are represented at every level of the organization. Women currently make up 44.2 per cent of our scientific and professional staff and 42.8 per cent of our executives.

Today, on International Women’s Day, I am pleased to honour the women of Transport and all the women of Canada for their many contributions.

Thank you

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2018 International Women's Day
#MyFeminism