Yesterday, our Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement team traveled to Victoria to present to the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women. We are grateful for the opportunity to build relationships and share insights with this important council. We also had the pleasure of saying hello to Minister Christine Boyle! Advancing truth and reconciliation is a key priority for the YWCA. This includes understanding the truth of our shared colonial history, making positive changes within our organization and taking actions that advance safety, justice and equity for Indigenous women, girls, families and two-spirit people. (fb)

The reinstatement of a standalone Minister for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) isn't just symbolic, it’s strategic. After the cabinet position was removed and the portfolio was folded into another ministry in March, gender equity advocates spoke up. Loudly. This is a significant win, demonstrating the power of our collective voice. We called for dedicated leadership. We called for a minister whose full focus would be on advancing gender equity, preventing gender-based violence and ensuring women, girls and gender-diverse people have the safety, economic security and opportunity they deserve. Minister Rechie Valdez steps into this role at a time when the stakes are high. Her leadership will be important in moving us toward a more equitable future, one where the realities of women, girls and gender-diverse people across Canada are reflected in all spheres of decision-making and policy development. We welcome Minister Rechie Valdez and look forward to advancing gender equity alongside the new WAGE team. With today’s cabinet announcement, Prime Minister Carney has appointed 28 ministers (14 women) and 10 secretaries of state (4 women), making it nearly gender balanced. Gender representation matters, but gender alone is not enough. We need to keep asking – who is at the table, and who’s still being left out? Reinstating WAGE is just the beginning. We are hopeful that we will see policy change that makes equity a priority, not just in words, but in budgets, legislation and measurable results. This work requires strong leadership, and we’re ready to work together to make sure no one gets left behind. (fb)