INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY – MINISTER STATEMENT

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day where people around the world and in British Columbia pause to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women.

This year, the occasion falls on a day where our world is facing huge economic challenges, which will test our strength and determination. We understand all too well the worries we have during turbulent times – about our children, our work, our families.

Here’s what I also know. Women in B.C. are strong, we are resourceful and we will meet the challenges ahead with great fortitude. Our province has built a strong foundation over the last eight years, one that will minimize the negative economic impacts ahead and that leaves us poised to bounce back when the economic turnaround takes place. And that benefits everyone – including women.

Since 2001, we have created over 400,000 new jobs in B.C, – over half of these new jobs have been filled by women. Women in B.C. are earning more money - from 2001 to 2008, the median weekly wage for women increased by over 20 per cent compared to 15 per cent for men. The average hourly wage is also up – by 23 per cent compared to the start of this decade. Did you know that 36 per cent of small businesses in British Columbia are owned by women, the second-highest proportion in Canada?

As Minister for Healthy Living and Sport, I am also interested in how women are faring with respect to their health. In B.C., women are healthier than our counterparts in other jurisdictions. We have the lowest mortality rate for breast cancer, and the lowest overall mortality rate for cancers in Canada. Women are taking better care of themselves - In B.C. we’ve achieved the lowest smoking rates and the lowest self reported adult obesity rates in Canada. With our ActNow BC initiatives supporting women and families to make healthier lifestyle choices we are seeing women embrace the changes that will make a real difference in their health and the health of their families.

It’s critical that women have supports they need during difficult times. In B.C., we have made major investments to protect women and their children who are fleeing abuse and to prevent violence against women in our society. The B.C. Government has increased support for direct essential services in this area by more than 40 per cent since 2005, the largest increase in a decade. Since 2001, the Province has more than tripled investment in housing and other initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. More than $400 million will be invested this year to create affordable housing and shelters, helping more than 85,000 British Columbian households. We’re helping women transition from assistance to employment. Since 2001, the Province has helped more than 55,000 people do this.

Next year, our Province will be hosting the world for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. I look forward to seeing women in sport excel out on the ski hill and in the power skating arena. All British Columbians will be there to cheer them on. I think this is a good time to reflect on the “gold” winning performances of women all around our Province who are champions in their own right – with the things they accomplish and do every day to help make our province a better place.

I encourage you to take time to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful women around us and in our lives!

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