Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the annual meeting of federal/provincial/territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women was held in Iqaluit, August 19th to 21st, 1998. Given the imminent creation of the Nunavut Territory, we were very pleased to be able to host this important event in Iqaluit. I am pleased to say that all the delegates enjoyed our northern hospitality and many of them stayed in Iqaluit for a few days after the meeting. Most of the delegates had never been to Canada's far north. For them, it was an experience of a lifetime, and something they will share with friends and family for many years to come.
Mr. Speaker, the honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State for the Status of Women and I co-chaired this meeting. Together with the other Ministers, we addressed a number of issues that continue to prevent women from achieving full equality and the financial well being and security that is necessary for improving their economic status. We examined ways to recognize and incorporate the reality of women's lives in economic decision making processes, to eliminate barriers to equality for women, and to help women and girls make informed economic choices.
The Ministers and I also confirmed our commitment to end violence against women. We share a common vision of safe, healthy communities: a vision that embraces cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity and also recognizes the particular needs of vulnerable groups. Mr. Speaker, the Ministers also agreed that the prevention of violence against women is a shared responsibility and that solutions will be best achieved through partnerships among individuals, groups and governments. To this end, Ministers will make a joint statement by December 6, 1998 reaffirming their determination to end violence.
Mr. Speaker, I made a very strong statement to the Ministers regarding violence in the family and violence against children and elders. I emphasized the extreme importance of being more inclusive when we talk about this item. Violence affects all members of the family. A strong family unit is a result of all members being mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. It is not just about the issues of the woman, the man or the child. It involves everyone. The Ministers understand and support NWT's position on this issue.
In addition to addressing priority areas such as violence against women, we discussed women's health and how we, as Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, can plan a key role in this area. Mr. Speaker, the meeting was very successful and I am indeed very pleased that we have the honour to host such an event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause