Ottawa (Ontario) – Canadians will celebrate 25 years of constitutionally enriched equality rights for women since the enactment of Section 15, the equality section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  The Charter was signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on April 17, 1982. However, Section 15 was not implemented for another three years, to allow federal, provincial, and territorial governments to analyze all their laws and amend them as necessary.

Each year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation in our society, reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain, and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

Member of Parliament for Miramichi Tilly O’Neill Gordon is happy with what the federal government has done over the last few years.  “Canadian women have made enormous strides”, she said.  The current government has the highest percentage of women in Cabinet in Canadian history. The House of Commons currently has 69 women Members - the highest number ever elected.

Women are also increasing their participation in other spheres of Canadian life.  Currently, they make up the majority of full-time students in most university departments.

“As a former teacher for more than 35 years, I can only say how proud I am to see more and more women in our universities”, the MP said.