Today, Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, issued the following statement in recognition of Gender Equality Week:

Gender Equality Week is an opportunity to celebrate the important contributions women and gender diverse communities have made towards the growth and identity of Canada.

“This week is an opportunity to reflect on some of the significant milestones achieved in the Northwest Territories (NWT) as we have incredible residents taking the lead in advancing gender equality and helping us build an inclusive territory that all residents can thrive in.

"In October 2019, we elected nine women to the Legislative Assembly, the highest number ever elected in NWT’s history. Then, in July 2021, a by-election helped us achieve the first-ever female majority legislature in Canada.

"To continue to increase the participation of women in office and to inspire future female leaders, the GNWT has been supporting the Campaign School for Women, focused on making sure NWT’s female candidates have the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to run for political office.

"As a government, we are also partnering with the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife to bring inclusive workplace awareness training on 2SLGBTQQIA+. The training is an opportunity for public servants to identify challenges faced by some of our employees and learn how to take action to foster a healthy and inclusive workplace.

"Over the past year, the GNWT has engaged with Indigenous governments and stakeholders to develop an action plan that addresses the Calls for Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

"To advance reconciliation and achieve true equality, we must go beyond establishing policies, programs, and services, but also work to ensure equal access, equal opportunity and, most importantly, the equal provisioning of services so that we meet the unique needs of survivors and their families.

"The GNWT is committed to working with partners across Canada to begin to address systemic causes of inequality so that all Northerners can feel safe, empowered, and equal.

"As Gender Equality Week comes to an end, let’s continue to celebrate the strong women and gender diverse communities in our territory, and think about how we can continue to advance equality for a healthier, more prosperous territory.”