Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of Health, and Regional Minister Responsible for the Territories, today acknowledges March 8 as International Women’s Day.  Celebrated since the 1900s, this date represents the triumphs and sadly, tribulations, experienced by women in Canada and around the world.
 
”Today we come together to honour those people who, over the course of history, have stood up to challenge the roots of inequality present within our society,” Minister Aglukkaq said.  “We also recognize the progress made across the globe to ensure application of human rights to all women, regardless of age, race, language, or socio-economic standing.”
 
Much progress has been made since the United Nations General Assembly first adopted the resolution declaring United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in December, 1977.  Significant work has been carried out to improve literacy rates, increase social security standards, eliminate violence against women, and to close the overall gap that exists between genders.  
 
“As the former Minister for the Status of Women in Nunavut, I am aware of the many struggles surrounding women’s rights in the North,” Minister Aglukkaq remarked.  “On March 8 and throughout the year, I encourage all Canadians to stand up for women by refusing to accept gender-based injustice in both policy and practice.”