International Equal Pay Day is an opportunity for countries around the world to acknowledge the work that women do and their right to be paid equally. But this important day is not just a day of recognition. It is also a call to action.

Closing the gender pay gap is essential to our country’s economic and social recovery, and it is good for business. Today’s workforce is looking for a workplace that reflects their value system. They expect equity, diversity and gender equality at their workplace. Pay equity is a concrete way for employers to take action on these values and to demonstrate that they take gender equality seriously.

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate generations of women in Canada who through their resilience, courage and dedication have helped build — and continue to help build — the Canada we know today.