Statement today by Minister Ambrose

Statement by the Delegation of Canada to the 55^th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates.

As Canada's Minister for Status of Women, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address the 55^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

2010 was an important year, as we saw the creation of UN Women, an initiative that Canada strongly supported.

We are proud to support this important institution with an eightfold increase in our core contribution, and applaud the selection of Michelle Bachelet to lead the organization.

Under Ms Bachelet's leadership, and with Canada's support, UN Women will provide a strong voice for women around the world.

Canada has already been the catalyst for the renewed global effort to save the lives of women, children and newborns in developing countries through our maternal health initiative.
Last month in Geneva, as co-chair of the UN Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health, Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, made an announcement that Canada is moving ahead on the commitment made at the 2010 G8 Summit to both deliver funds  and address this issue in an accountable manner.

Recently, my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs also launched Canada's Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.
Our action plan will steer Canada's interventions abroad so they encourage the participation of women and girls, promote their rights, and advance their equal access to humanitarian and development assistance.

As Canadians, we value a peaceful and safe society, and violence against women and girls must stop.Our Government has taken action by introducing tougher laws, investing in shelters, strengthening victim support and awareness programs, and working more effectively in partnerships with those who seek an end to violence against women and girls.

The Canadian government is also working to increase awareness and prevent violence in Aboriginal, immigrant and refugee communities.

We recently announced the first-ever strategy to address the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada.

And we have launched the first call to action to address honour-based violence by funding organizations that raise awareness about violence in ethnic communities.
I, and Canadian women from our country, have been urging community leaders to take action against honour motivated violence.

In Canada, we see it as vital that all women and girls are apprised of their rights under the law. 
We believe that everyone should live free from violence and abuse, including honour motivated violence.

We made this clear in our new Canadian Citizenship Guide by stating: "…Canada's openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, ‘honour killings' …or other gender-based violence."

As Canada's Minister for Status of Women, I am proud that we are partnering with organizations who strive to empower women to learn about their rights, and to speak out against abuse.

I'm proud that our Government has increased funding to the highest level ever, because we know that there is much work left to do.
Serving as Minister has been one of the greatest privileges afforded to me, not only during my political career, but also on a personal level.
Sitting in this room today, I am inspired to continue to work to improve the lives of women and girls in Canada, and throughout the world.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we will make a difference.
Thank you.