In 2015, you helped elect a Liberal government which formed the first gender-balanced federal cabinet in Canadian history. Despite this victory for gender equality, and many others this year, we have more work to do to promote gender equality and inclusion for all women in Canada.

That is why I was very pleased to attend the Congress of Black Women (COBW) of Manitoba’s Annual Volunteer Awards & Fundraising Gala this fall. We honoured and celebrated ten “Unsung SHEroes:” Incredible female leaders whose contributions have inspired girls and women across communities in Manitoba to be leaders in their own right.

Our society can only achieve its full potential when women and vulnerable minorities enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. I thank the COBW for all its work in promoting gender equality in our province.