When women are in leadership roles—whether at the cabinet table or the boardroom table—better decisions are made. Building a Canada where it’s possible for more women to be at those tables is the work of leaders across the country, and it has been a priority for our government since we were first elected. When we announced our national system of affordable early learning and child care, we knew that it would mean more opportunities for women in Canada. And we are already seeing the results: a record 85.6% of women in their prime working years had jobs in January, and the labour force participation rate for women with children under six reached more than 76%. This is feminist economic policy in action, and it will mean fewer women need to choose between their family and their career. Whether in the public sector or the private sector, we need to continue to do everything we can to ensure more women are able to take up leadership roles. Surpassing the 10% mark this year is important progress—but we still have a long way to go.

–	The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance of Canada