Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is March 8th, and that means it is International Women's Day, which gives us a clear opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women. As an ally, I do not wish to put words in the mouths of others, but wish to stand behind and support the actions, initiatives, and fights that are being led by women leaders from coast to coast to coast and around the world. Our society, cultures, country, and lives are enriched daily by the tireless efforts of women with whom we co-exist. Today is a chance for all of us to celebrate the achievements of the all-too-often unsung heroines in our lives and to renew efforts to achieving greater gender equity and equality.
I want to commend the honourable Members of this House for making women's political equity a top priority of this government, and in particular recognize the ongoing leadership on this and so many other issues by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre and the honourable Member for Range Lake.
The political lives of women have often been fraught with challenges. In the Canadian context, I must note the work of five incredibly strong Albertan women for speaking truth to power, Canada's famous five. Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, and Emily Murphy fought tirelessly for many issues, but their most long-lasting and wide-ranging struggle was for women to be recognized as persons under Canadian law. Now, this might seem quaint today, but the struggle is not over. It has merely become more nuanced. I want to thank and show my reverence to the battle these women fought for their common-sense acknowledgment that yes, indeed, women are persons.
In more recent news, the honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould is in the middle of her own battle. The truths and facts are battling out, and we have seen here many of the same talking points by her opponents as we have heard in the past. Whatever the outcome, Ms. Wilson-Raybould's belief is she is "always willing to speak truth to power" is a lesson that we can all use a reminding of. It is not easy to stand against one's colleagues, but it is important to stand one's ground, have your perspective heard, and to work tirelessly for meaningful action for change.
Mr. Speaker, I will conclude my statement today in the words of another woman who advanced her understanding of radiation and who ultimately paid the price for her work, and I hope that that serves as a reminder to us all that the road to progress is long and must be fought for. Madame Marie Curie: "I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.