Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement today on Women's History Month:

"Throughout our history, women have played an invaluable role in shaping Canada. This October, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Women's History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in creating a fairer country, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done.

Trudeau said in the statement, "This year’s theme - Women have done a lot, so I can now - honors the pioneering women who raised their voices as agents of change in fields where their representation was lacking, including arts, education, and politics, and paved the way for future generations of women and girls to succeed."

Adding, from women like Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman in Canada to sit in a provincial legislature, who inspired more women to pursue politics, to Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Inuit activist, who identified the link between climate change and human rights, Canada is a better place because of the hard work and determination of these pioneers.

Trudeau also said, "We have made great progress since the first Women's History Month 30 years ago, and thanks to the hard work of activists and feminist movements, women in Canada enjoy the right to choose, paid parental leave, and in federally regulated workplaces - the right to earn equal pay to their counterparts."

Trudeau clarified that earlier this year, the employment rate of women aged 25 to 54 reached an all-time high, leading to economic growth across the country.

Adding, we must continue to break down systemic barriers for women, which is why the Canadian government is fulfilling its promise to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system, which helps reduce the cost of organized child care this year and will achieve an average $10-a-day child care from coast to coast in the coming years.

Trudeau said in the statement, "We are also committed to empowering women and girls worldwide, helping to reduce poverty and promote well-being. Through continued promotion of gender equality, including through Canadian Feminist International Assistance Policy, we will continue to invest in addressing the root causes of inequality, including access to affordable child care and essential sexual and reproductive health, and help break down barriers in the next thirty years and beyond.

Trudeau concluded the statement saying, "On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to use the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth to share and learn more about the women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our country."

Adding, this month and every month, let us celebrate the many women who make history and build a better Canada for everyone."