October 18, 2011

VAUGHAN, October 18, 2011 – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, on October 14^th, 2011 engaged with a local women-focused organization as part of an ongoing series of meetings and events in honour of Women’s History Month. Minister Fantino visited the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women where he met individuals and learned about the invaluable role they play in our community.

“On the front lines and behind the scenes, women have been there for Canada, in times of conflict and of peace,” said Minister Fantino. “During Women’s History Month, and always, Canadians can celebrate and be inspired by the courage and selflessness of women in all three branches of our military.”

Other organizations that Minister Fantino will be reaching out to this October will include the Empowerment Through Achievement Vaughan Women’s Shelter, Moving Forward and the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce’s business women leaders.

“I encourage all Canadians to discover and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of women in the Canadian Armed Forces, both today and throughout our history,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “Canadian women have a long history of excellence in the Canadian Forces. We can take pride in their individual and collective achievements, as well as their extraordinary courage.”

The Government of Canada has taken significant action to encourage women in leadership roles and democratic participation, and has always valued the contribution women members have made to the Canadian military forces and peacekeeping missions. The Canadian military forces is one of the only militaries in the world to remove all barriers to full and equal service for its women members, and as a result, women members have the opportunity to work in any job in the Canadian Forces.

As in so many other fields, women in the military are making a difference, in Canada and in the world. Women’s History Month is an annual commemoration held during the month of October across Canada.

 

For more information please contact:

Daniel Salvatore

Assistant to Hon. Julian Fantino P.C.,M.P.

Associate Minister of National Defence

Member of Parliament for Vaughan

Cell: 416-562-3597

Office: 905-303-5000

www.resultsforvaughan.ca