Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark International Women’s Day, and to recognize strong Inuit women who serve as models for all the young girls and women of Nunavut.
In Ottawa, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon is the first Inuk and first Indigenous woman to serve as the Governor General of Canada.
We also have Lori Idlout as our member of Parliament, representing the voices of Nunavummiut in Ottawa.
Here at home, the Honourable Eva Aariak is the Commissioner of Nunavut and a former Premier. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008, she has been a champion for women in our territory. As the only woman elected that year, she expressed disappointment and suggested that improved daycare might encourage more women to be politically active.
We also have Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk, a powerful voice for Nunavut Inuit and a strong advocate for the rights of Inuit through the Nunavut Agreement.
Which leads me to Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross, who began her political career as mayor of Cambridge Bay. In her role as Minister of Education, in December 2022 she announced $10-a-day daycare, a first in Canada. A young mother herself, she also announced that over five years, 238 new childcare spaces would be created.
And, of course, I would like to recognize Minister Margaret Nakashuk and Minister Karen Nutarak, as well as my 6th Assembly colleagues MLAs Janet Pitseolak Brewster, Mary Killiktee, and Joanna Quassa for their dedication to public service.
Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to honour my Deputy Minister, Anna Fowler. Ms. Fowler is an accomplished and knowledgeable Inuk woman who has dedicated her professional life to serving Nunavummiut. I am proud to work with her.
Our government is also fortunate to have the skilled and knowledge of other Inuit women including Deputy Minister Rebecca Hainnu, Deputy Yvonne Niego, Deputy Teresa Hughes and President Rebecca Mearns. I want to also acknowledge our Inuk Associates, learning and being mentored by a diverse and talented group of Deputies: Christine Ellsworth, Sandy Kownak and Jacqueline Curley. All these women work diligently each day on behalf of Nunavummiut.
These are but a few examples of powerful women leaders.
Our world has a far way to go to consider itself gender-equal, but, here in Nunavut, I believe we recognize that basic principle and strive to ensure we live by it.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.