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Cision Canada
21-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Statement by Minister Valdez to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement: "Today, I join communities across the country in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. "This is a time to honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. From coast to coast to coast, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous communities. "Today, more than 50,000 small businesses are majority-owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs. Indigenous-led businesses are fuelling economic growth and uplifting communities across the country. "In 2023 alone, Indigenous tourism operators generated an estimated 34,700 jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. These numbers tell a powerful story of resilience and innovation and highlight the vital role Indigenous businesses play in our tourism economy. "As Minister of Women and Gender Equality, I am committed to supporting Indigenous-led efforts to end gender-based violence. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples, our government is working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to develop policies and fund programs to end the national crisis facing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This work is essential to healing, justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they live. "Our government is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and to building lasting partnerships with Indigenous Peoples by supporting entrepreneurs, fostering economic opportunity and building an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind. Stay connected Follow the department on . For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.


Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Prime minister, MPs attend ceremony to raise Pride flag on Parliament Hill
Published Jun 10, 2025 • 1 minute read Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre left, takes part in a flag-raising ceremony with Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State Small Business and Tourism Rechie Valdez marking Pride Month on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney was joined by members of Parliament from all parties Tuesday afternoon as he raised the Pride flag in Ottawa. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In his remarks on Parliament Hill, Carney said Pride is both a celebration of how 'love has already won' and a promise to ensure that everyone's rights are protected. He noted that it's been 22 years since the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a decision that legalized same-sex marriage in Ontario, and 20 years since Parliament passed the Civil Marriage Act. Read More Carney said there has been a backlash around the world against the progress made on protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez announced the government is setting aside $1.5 million for security and insurance planning for Pride festivals across Canada this year in response to a growing number of threats. The government previously budgeted $15 million for LGBTQ+ communities through its Action Plan on Combatting Hate. RECOMMENDED VIDEO NHL Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists NHL Toronto Blue Jays


Cision Canada
09-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Statement by Minister Rechie Valdez to Mark Canada's Pride Season 2025 Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark Pride Season 2025: "Pride Season is a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada and around the world. It is also a reminder that, as hate speech and discrimination continue, the fight for equality, safety, and human rights is far from over. When Canada supports 2SLGBTQI+ communities through inclusive policies and opportunities, everyone benefits. More people are empowered to fully participate in the workforce, become business owners, drive innovation and contribute to thriving communities. The result is a stronger, more competitive country – where poverty is reduced, health outcomes improve, and no one is left behind. The Government of Canada is removing barriers still faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities — from safe access to gender-affirming care to opportunities in entrepreneurship and skilled trades. Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, we're funding solutions that improve safety, support mental health, and strengthen community resilience. That includes a $25 million federal investment in Canada's first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program — launched in partnership with the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. Pride is both a celebration and a call to action – and the Government will continue to stand with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to build a safer, more inclusive, and more equitable Canada for all. Happy Pride, Canada.'' SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Statement by Minister Rechie Valdez to Mark Canada's Pride Season 2025
OTTAWA, ON, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark Pride Season 2025: "Pride Season is a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada and around the world. It is also a reminder that, as hate speech and discrimination continue, the fight for equality, safety, and human rights is far from over. When Canada supports 2SLGBTQI+ communities through inclusive policies and opportunities, everyone benefits. More people are empowered to fully participate in the workforce, become business owners, drive innovation and contribute to thriving communities. The result is a stronger, more competitive country – where poverty is reduced, health outcomes improve, and no one is left behind. The Government of Canada is removing barriers still faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities — from safe access to gender-affirming care to opportunities in entrepreneurship and skilled trades. Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, we're funding solutions that improve safety, support mental health, and strengthen community resilience. That includes a $25 million federal investment in Canada's first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program — launched in partnership with the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. Pride is both a celebration and a call to action – and the Government will continue to stand with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to build a safer, more inclusive, and more equitable Canada for all. Happy Pride, Canada.'' Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada: Website Equality Matters newsletter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada View original content:


Cision Canada
28-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Statement to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement on Menstrual Hygiene Day. "Menstrual Hygiene Day is a reminder that we must always tackle the stigma around menstruation – and the very real impact that period poverty has on people's lives. Menstrual equity also has an important impact on the economy, as period poverty can affect workforce participation, contribute to absenteeism, and limit productivity. For instance, 15% of people in Canada who menstruate say their inability to afford menstrual products holds them back from participating in daily activities, such as attending school or work. Through Food Banks Canada we are running the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot to address barriers to accessing menstrual products. This initiative is dedicated to ensuring that menstruation is never a barrier to education or employment. This Menstrual Hygiene Day let's help raise awareness on what menstrual equity really means. Let's keep pushing to end period poverty in Canada. Join the conversation online by using #MHDay2025 and help challenge taboos and make menstrual health a priority." Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada: