QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Women, Peace and Security
June 17, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is to the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Harder, I’m sure you agree that Canada has made great strides to promote women, peace and security, including the excellent appointment last week of Canada’s first ambassador for women, peace and security, Jacqueline O’Neill.
My question is related to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and women peacekeepers. The UN Secretary-General’s Initiative on Action for Peacekeeping called for increased participation of women in peacekeeping operations. Canada endorsed that action plan and in 2018 launched the Elsie Initiative. But what type of supports are made available to women peacekeepers in the field, including support for health care, some of which must be customized by sex? And are there any indicators as to the existence of and/or the effectiveness of current supports to women peacekeepers?
I thank the honourable senator for raising this question. She is right in suggesting that I might be very supportive of the initiative that was launched over the last number of weeks, particularly the appointment that has been referenced.
With respect to the specific questions, I’ll be happy to raise them with the minister and report back.
