OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, encourages Northern Albertans to commemorate Women’s History Month, which is being celebrated during the month of October across Canada.

This year’s theme – Recognizing Canadian Women in Business – celebrates women’s contributions, now and throughout history, to Canadian business and our national economy.

“I encourage all Canadians to reflect on the contributions of women in business and their pivotal role in economic growth and job creation in Canada,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “Canadian women have a long history of excellence in business, and we can take great pride in their individual and collective achievements that have contributed positively to Canadian life.”

“As leaders, decision-makers and successful entrepreneurs, women are profoundly changing how we do business in Canada,” said Mr. Jean. “Women in business are important to Canada’s ongoing recovery, contributing more than $18 billion annually to the Canadian economy.”

The Government of Canada has taken significant action to improve women’s economic security and prosperity, including the introduction of important programs that benefit women in business.

“I am proud that our government has introduced important measures to help women entrepreneurs prosper and succeed,” said Minister Ambrose. “We are proud of the contributions of women in Canadian business and we encourage other women to follow their lead.”