41st Annual Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women hold 41st annual meeting

August 2, 2023 – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Today, the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the Status of Women concluded their annual meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Marci Ien, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and the Honourable Natalie Jameson, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Education and Early Years and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

The Ministers discussed key issues impacting the status of women and gender equality in our country, including the importance of ensuring women’s equal participation in the economy. The Ministers also shared the important work to be done across government with colleagues in their jurisdictions to end gender-based violence. This includes work to support the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence launched in November 2022*.

The FPT ministerial meeting was preceded by a separate meeting between Ministers and National Indigenous Leaders and Representatives (NILRs) to discuss key priorities affecting Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Canada, including violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The FPT Ministers reiterated their commitment to fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and equal opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse people, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all people living in Canada.

Quotes

“Achieving gender equality relies on collaboration from all levels of government. It was a pleasure to reconnect with FPT Ministers over the past few days, it reinforced our shared commitment to advance women’s rights and end gender-based violence. Together we are stronger, and we’re working hard to create a more inclusive and safer Canada.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

Government of Canada

“I am pleased that Prince Edward Island was able to host the very first meeting since FPT Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women signed on to the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. We were able to engage on ideas and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians as we work together to end violence in our homes and communities.”

The Honourable Natalie Jameson, Minister of Education and Early Years and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Government of Prince Edward Island

Quick facts

The FPT Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women have met annually since 1982 to gather information on, discuss, and provide guidance on ongoing key issues related to the status of women and gender equality.

Meetings between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments offer an important opportunity for Ministers responsible for the Status of Women from coast to coast to coast to discuss shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and work together to make life better for all Canadians.

The work by the FPT Ministers has included the development of resource guides, tools, and reports that have supported initiatives in Canada to address gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking, gender-based analysis, and economic equality.

Since 2017, FPT Ministers have conducted separate meetings with National Indigenous Leaders and Representatives (NILRs).

In January 2021, FPT Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women endorsed the Joint Declaration for a Canada Free of Gender-based Violence.

At the 40th meeting in November 2022, FPT Ministers* announced the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which reiterates the long-standing commitment of governments to eliminating GBV and advancing gender equality for all Canadians.

* Gender-based violence is a priority for the Government of Québec, which has invested significant funds to end violence against women. However, although it supports the overall objectives of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Québec cannot adhere to it because it intends to retain its full responsibility in this area on its territory. Through an agreement that respects its autonomy, the Government of Québec expects to receive its fair share of federal funding to support the programs, initiatives, and services to end gender-based violence that it puts in place based on the needs of its territory.

Associated links

Forum of Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the Status of Women

National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality

Backgrounder: National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

Joint Declaration for a Canada free of Gender-based violence

Contacts

Johise Namwira
‎Press Secretary and Issues Manager
‎Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
‎873-353-0985
‎Johise.Namwira@fegc-wage.gc.ca

Media Relations
‎Women and Gender Equality Canada
‎819-420-6530
‎FEGC.Media.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca