“Let’s build a future where our daughters see politics not as a battleground, but as a platform for impact.”

(NIPISSING - TIMISKAMING, ON)   October marks an annual tradition of celebrating the remarkable achievements of women and girls throughout our history.

It is also a time to reflect on the work that remains, breaking down barriers and building the conditions that allow everyone to participate fully in Canada’s social, cultural, and economic life.

In the Nipissing – Timiskaming riding, there are many women whose contributions have shaped, and continue to strengthen our communities.   And there are young women leaders who are following in their footsteps.

Shannen Koostachin

Pauline visited the bronze statue of young Shannen Koostachin (photo above) in Temiskaming Shores during Women's History Month to honour Shannen's legacy and leadership, advocating for decent schools in First Nations communities.

At the age of 13, Shannen became a leader of the largest youth-led children’s rights campaign in Canadian history. She wrote letters, championed a social media campaign, and met parliamentarians to share the deplorable conditions at her Attawapiskat school.

Her efforts raised awareness of the shoddy conditions and standards in First Nations schools, leading to her nomination for the International Children's Peace Prize. Sadly in 2010, at the age of 16, she died in a car accident on Hwy 11 near Temagami. The movement she started, called "Shannen's Dream," continues to advocate for equitable funding for schools on reserves.

 

 

 The Embers

The Embers, a group of 7-8-year-old Girl Guides, (video above) working towards the completion of their Canadian connections badges, invited Pauline to join them during Women's History Month so they could better understand the role of politicians and government. Pauline spoke to them as future leaders who can make a difference in their community, and in Canada.

 

Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW)

“As professional women, we bring strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing our communities. Our voices belong in Parliament, not as tokens, but as changemakers,” said MP Rochefort, speaking at a meeting of the Canadian Federation of University Women (photo above).

MP Rochefort celebrated Canadian women trailblazers and leaders with the women of the CFUW.   Agnes Macphail, who in 1921 became the first woman elected to the House of Commons.   Kim Campbell who became Canada’s first, and to date, only female Prime Minister. Though her tenure was brief, her rise to the highest office shattered a ceiling that had stood for over a century. Dr. Jean Augustine, elected in 1993, was the first Black woman and Minister in the House of Commons. She championed multiculturalism and was instrumental in establishing Black History Month in Canada.

“We must lift as we climb,” noted Dr Augustine.

In 1954, Elsie Knott became the first woman elected Chief of a First Nation community. Her leadership marked a turning point in Indigenous governance and women's representation.  Women like Caroline Cochrane, until recently the Premier of the Northwest Territories, continued that legacy by leading with strength, compassion, and vision.  We see the impact of women like Chrystia Freeland, who was Canada’s first female Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister. Her leadership on global trade and economic recovery helped position Canada as a resilient force in uncertain times.

"It’s been over 100 years since women first entered Canadian Parliament. Let’s honour that legacy not with nostalgia, but with momentum. Let’s build a future where our daughters see politics not as a battleground, but as a platform for impact," said MP Rochefort.

Together, let’s lead the charge for equity, for representation, and for a Parliament that truly reflects the Canada we know and love.

Investing in Canadian Women

“The new Mark Carney Government has made significant progress and understands that the important work of gender equality remains ongoing.  Women’s contribution to building a strong, unified country has and will continue to strengthen our economy and our country,” said  MP Rochefort.

That’s why, the Government has:

• Invested $7B through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy to support over 400,000 women in launching and scaling up their business;
• Invested $539.3 million through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to better protect women and end the cycle of violence; and,
• Supported the Care Economy through an investment of $29 million to help over 5,000 homecare workers retire with the dignity they deserve.

"This month, and every month, we will continue to advance gender equality and empower women – so that together we can build the strongest economy in the G7,” added MP Rochefort.

MP Pauline Rochefort's Statement for Women's History Month