Hon. Danièle Henkel: Honourable senators, today and tomorrow, Parliament Hill is hosting a national forum on women’s health, which I organized following the tabling of Bill S-243, a bill that seeks to establish a national framework for women’s health. The forum’s objective is clear: to inform and provide tools to parliamentarians on an issue of that, although it concerns over half of Canada’s population, remains poorly coordinated and too often neglected among our legislative priorities.

[English]

Hundreds of experts, clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders are coming from coast to coast to coast to meet with us parliamentarians. They bring a wealth of knowledge, talent and expertise. They call for more coordination and oversight. That is precisely why Bill S-243 was introduced — to remedy these issues and to ensure accountability to Parliament. We know that collaboration, coherence and partnership are essential to achieving lasting progress.

Canada prides itself on being a leader of diversity, equity and inclusion. Here is the perfect opportunity to prove it. Colleagues, your presence will send a powerful message to all women across this country that their voices are being heard.

[Translation]

All of these women’s health stakeholders are coming here to share their expertise, their solutions and a lot of hope. It’s an opportunity for us to ask questions, understand the issues, grasp the system’s complexity and act accordingly.

I want to commend the commitment of everyone who is taking the time to be here today and tomorrow. Their attendance is no token gesture; it’s an act of public service.

I also want to thank the Women’s Health Coalition whose relentless national engagement work has made this forum possible. Colleagues, I urge you to join us.

Thank you. Meegwetch.