Province Celebrates Gender Equality Week

September 23, 2019

The Manitoba government is celebrating Gender Equality Week by recognizing the record number of women candidates in the 2019 election, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.

“Equality is the foundation from which everyone can lead healthy, happy and fulfilling lives,” said Squires.  “I want to recognize the record number of diverse candidates who identify as female, 2SLGBTQQIA, and women of colour who put their name forward on the ballot this fall to help make democracy work, advance gender equality and create a more thriving, prosperous Manitoba for all.”

On Sept. 10, a record number of women were elected to the Manitoba legislature including women that identified as Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQQIA and/or women of colour.

The minister noted the Manitoba government has taken a leadership role in addressing gender equality within in the Manitoba legislature.  Since first elected in 2016, some of those significant initiatives include:

• creation of the Gender Based Violence Committee of Cabinet;
• updated respectful workplace policy;
• creation of the legislature’s first gender-neutral washroom; and
• record number of women represented on the province’s agencies, boards and commissions.

“I am proud of our government’s work to advance gender equality.  By supporting women in leadership roles, in business, and in non-traditional sectors, we can unlock their potential, creating a better and brighter Manitoba for all,” Squires said.

To kick off Gender Equality Week, the minister is hosting an all-partisan reception this afternoon to recognize all candidates in the 2019 election.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-945-4916.

NT5