29th Annual Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women

GATINEAU, QC – Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the Status of Women gathered in Gatineau, Quebec, on July 4 and 5, 2011, for their 29th annual meeting. They re-affirmed their steadfast commitment to ending violence against women and to improving women’s economic security.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, and Madame Christine St-Pierre, Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications and Status of Women.

The issue of human trafficking and the pressing need to take practical actions to address it was discussed. Ministers noted that the work carried out this year by the FPT Forum on the Status of Women has generated concrete measures to be implemented by each government, taking into account their respective jurisdictions and needs. These measures, which focus on prevention and awareness, were welcomed by Ministers. They have been shared with justice and public safety officials involved in combating human trafficking and can contribute to shaping responses to this serious crime.  Ministers agreed to continue sharing best practices in this area and to encourage and support efforts to address human trafficking, particularly with respect to its impact on women and girls. A presentation on honour based violence by an expert speaker was also made to the Ministerial Forum.

Discussions also revolved around approaches to increase women’s economic security. Ministers agreed to continue sharing information, namely in the areas of micro-credit and non-traditional fields of employment.  Ministers heard a presentation by Femmessor, a Quebec-based network of economic development organizations that support women’s entrepreneurship.  Ministers also noted that the advancement of equality and economic security for women will contribute to ending violence against women.

The Ministers remain firm in their commitment to address violence against women, and to focus on the underlying socio-economic conditions affecting those more vulnerable to violence, including Aboriginal women.  In addition, Ministers were also debriefed on the Collaboration to End Violence:  National Aboriginal Women’s Forum, which took place in Vancouver from June 15 to 17, 2011.

Nova Scotia will host the 30th annual meeting of FPT Ministers responsible for the Status of Women in 2012.  This meeting will coincide with a national conference on advancing women in science, engineering, trades and technology.

FPT Ministers have met regularly since 1981 to discuss efforts to achieve equality for women and to exchange information on issues affecting girls and women in Canada, particularly in the areas of economic security, violence and human rights.

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Government of Canada
Michelle Bakos            Director of Communications            Office of the Minister of Public Works and            Government Services and            Minister for Status of Women            819-997-5421	Nanci-Jean Waugh            Director General, Communications            and Strategic Planning            Status of Women Canada            613-995-7839
Government of Quebec
Valérie Rodrique            Press Secretary            Office of the Minister of Culture,            Communications and the Status of Women            418-380-2310	Annie LeGruiec            Media Relations Officer            Ministry of Culture, Communications            and the Status of Women            418-380-2363, extension 7371