GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark Gender Equality Week:
"Gender Equality Week recognizes that gender equality is not only about fairness. It's about strengthening our economy, creating safer communities, and making life more affordable for everyone. This year, as Canada marks 50 years since the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, we can reflect on the progress we've made and the work that remains to remove barriers that hold too many back.
Across Canada, women are leading businesses, driving innovation, strengthening communities, and helping to grow our economy. Canada is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential.
Yet women, girls, and gender diverse people continue to face barriers to full participation, from poverty and discrimination to unequal leadership opportunities, pay gaps and gender-based violence. For example, women make up nearly half the workforce but only 37% of them are managers and just 5% of Canadian companies have a woman CEO.
These barriers do not only hold individuals back – they hold Canada back. When women cannot fully participate in the economy, Canada loses talent, ideas, entrepreneurship, and leadership that can help us grow and compete.
At a time when Canada is focused on strengthening productivity, growing the economy, and remaining competitive in an increasingly digital world, we cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines.
Through Budget 2025, the federal government made a historic investment of $660.5 million over five years, with $132.1 million in ongoing funding, to ensure Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) can continue its critical work advancing gender equality across Canada. This includes $382.5 million over five years, with $76.5 million on an ongoing basis starting in 2026–27, for the Women's Program, providing long-term stability for efforts to advance women's equality across the country. Since WAGE was created in 2018, more than 700 projects have been completed nationwide, supporting organizations serving women and girls.
This investment is complemented by the renewal of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. We are investing an additional $607.4 million over four years, beginning in 2027–28, to continue implementation of the National Action Plan and renew bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. This funding will strengthen prevention, support survivors, expand services for underserved communities, and provide greater stability for the organizations communities rely on every day.
Preventing gender-based violence means addressing its root causes before violence occurs, while ensuring people can access the supports they need when they need them. Safety is the foundation for full participation in our communities, workplaces, and economy.
Advancing gender equality also means ensuring women have the opportunity to participate fully in Canada's economy, including by starting and growing their own businesses. In June 2026, the federal government announced $173.7 million over five years to recapitalize the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), helping more women entrepreneurs access financing, training, mentorship, networks, and new markets.
Since its launch in 2018, more than $7 billion has been made available through WES, supporting more than 500,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada. The renewed funding includes $59 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, $100 million for the WES Ecosystem Fund, and $7 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.
The Government of Canada is also helping more women enter and return to the workforce through Canada's Early Learning and Child Care program. When women have access to affordable child care, capital, leadership opportunities, and the supports they need to succeed, they are better positioned to participate, lead, and grow. And when women succeed, Canada's economy is stronger.
As we continue building the strongest economy in the G7, we know women's talents, ideas, and leadership are essential to Canada's success. This Gender Equality Week, Canadians are encouraged to explore the A Better World storytelling activity with the young children in their lives and visit WAGE's Gender Equality Facts, statistics, and impact webpage to learn more about the progress made and the work that remains to create a more equitable Canada.
Advancing gender equality is a shared responsibility. When we remove barriers, expand opportunity, and make sure everyone can participate fully, we unlock more of Canada's potential. That is how we build Canada strong."
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SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada
Erin Quevillon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), 819-661-2374, [email protected]; Media Relations, Women and Gender Equality Canada, 819-420-6530, [email protected]
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