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Speaking Notes for The Honourable Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P. Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women on the occasion of the Launch of Women’s History Month 2011

Barney Danson Theatre, War Museum of Canada, October 3, 2011

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Honourable colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a very special privilege for me to be here today.

I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues the Honourable Peter MacKay, Steve Blaney and Major Janie Desjardins.

[Before I begin, I would like to thank the Canadian War Museum for hosting us today.]

[It is a special honour to be able to spend time with those who have shaped, and continue to shape, the future of the Canadian Forces.]

The theme for Women's History Month 2011, Women in Canadian Military Forces: A Proud Legacy, is very close to my heart.

But before I tell you why, let me address the question, Why celebrate Women's History Month?

As Canadian trailblazer and Persons Case activist Nellie McClung once said, "People must know the past to understand the present and face the future."

Women's History Month is a time for us to be inspired by the great achievements of Canadian Women.

This month we will celebrate the tremendous contributions that women have made – and are making – to every aspect of life in our country, including the military, as this year's theme highlights.

More importantly, Women's History Month inspires young Canadians by showcasing terrific role models – women who have put their personal interests aside to ensure a better life for others. These women are true heroines, and everyone should know about them.

Women's contributions to military history have evolved greatly from the first World Wars to our latest contributions in Afghanistan.
I was most recently in Afghanistan this summer and I celebrated Canada Day with our troops. While I was there, I held a town-hall with some of the great women of the Canadian forces and I was awe-struck by their stories.  They inspired me and moved me.

Canada's work in Afghanistan has made a direct contribution to improve the lives of women and girls in that country.  
As Canada transitions its programming in Afghanistan this year, we are taking the opportunity to highlight all the good, strong Canadian women who have served in the missions of today and yesterday.

Whether as members of the armed forces or as civilians providing support roles, women have worked on every front.

On the battlefield, in the air and on the sea; as pilots and peacekeepers; nurses and physicians; war artists and war correspondents; in espionage and engineering.  Regardless of the challenges and the risks, women have stepped up to answer the call and Canada's military history is rich with their stories.

The proud legacy of women in the Canadian military carries on today. By safeguarding equality for women, the Canadian military leads the world in opening the doors to full and equal service for its women members, and Canada and the world are all the better for it. Women in Canada's military – truly something to celebrate!

In the 18th and 19th centuries, women were behind-the-scenes in French and English military actions in Canada.  They provided key support, protecting property from marauders, and preparing ammunition, food and medicines during times of conflict.

[The first women to actually serve in the Canadian military were nurses.  In fact, 12 women served in the Northwest Rebellion in 1885 as nurses in military hospitals.]
Later on, our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers supported Canada's efforts in the First and Second World Wars.  In the Korean War.  In the Cold War.  And in dozens of United Nations peacekeeping missions over the past five decades.

Women's History Month brings those stories forward.

Stories of:

The First woman aircraft designer in the world - Elizabeth "Elsie" Gregory MacGill;

The First woman appointed as a colonel in the Canadian Army – Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie;

The First woman to command a major warship in the Canadian Forces- Josée Kurtz;
Canada's first and only official woman war artist in the Second World War – Molly Lamb Bobak;

The First woman to serve as a naval officer at sea was Marie Louise Fish (Ms. Fish will be in attendance).

In 1981, Second-Lieutenant Inge Plug became the first woman helicopter pilot in the Canadian Forces and Lieutenant Karen McCrimmon became the Canadian Forces' first woman air navigator.

These are women who have provided great leadership. Who are courageous and smart.

Because of their work, Canadians can be proud of our position on the world stage.

Today, women make up more than 15 per cent of the Canadian Forces.

Some 13,000 Canadian women are trained and ready to take on the many challenging roles of Canada's military, protecting our country, and contributing to peace and international security.
 More women are choosing to join the Canadian military.

As a result, they are making a tremendous difference, in Canada and around the world.

[To the servicewomen and women veterans here today, please accept my admiration and gratitude, on behalf of all Canadians, for keeping our True North, our Canada, strong and free.  To you, we owe so much!]

Happy Women's History Month!  Thank you.

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Date Modified:
2011-11-10