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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 Press Conference With Plan Canada and The Toronto and District School Board To Officially Announce International Day of the Girl To the Media

Toronto, Ontario
Thursday, March 8, 2012

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Good morning:

I am very happy to be here with these two wonderful organizations to announce that on October 11th Canada and the world will celebrate the very first International Day of the Girl.

My sincere thanks go to every girl here and across Canada who helped make this day happen by signing petitions, by talking to her friends and family, and by being part of something that no one could do alone.  We made history together.

I am proud that the Government of Canada worked with so many other countries at the United Nations in establishing the Day of the Girl, and that we have been partners with Plan Canada every step of the way. 

To everyone at Plan Canada - Rosemary, the staff, volunteers, and supporters - for your tireless efforts in making the Day of the Girl happen, thank you.

When I was first elected as a Member of Parliament, and then became a Minister, I was not sure every step I would take along the way.  But I knew I wanted to make a difference – and for me, the Day of the Girl has always been about making a difference.

The Day of the Girl will show the world that girls' rights matter! 

The Day of the Girl will be about putting a girl's dreams within reach – here or on the other side of the world. 

The Day of the Girl will shine a bright light on the challenges girls face simply because they are girls.

Here in Canada, it will explore ways that healthy relationships, good role models and a positive self image can empower girls to live a happy and healthy life.

Some people still say you can't change the world.  But together we made the Day of the Girl happen.

And if the Day of the Girl helps even one girl fulfill her dreams, then I would say we did change the world for her. And that is something all of us can be proud of.

Thank you very much.

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Date Modified:
2012-03-16