Prime Minister, Mark Carney, ..

 Statement by Prime Minister Carney on International Women’s Day

March 8, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Our democracy is stronger when it reflects the people it serves. Since Agnes Macphail became the first woman elected to the House of Commons more than 100 years ago, women have won voting rights, property rights, reproductive rights, and parental leave. This progress was achieved because, again and again, women have refused to accept a system that did not see them, hear them, or reflect them.

That is why Canada’s new government is advancing the programs that ensure women are at the forefront of leadership and building a stronger Canadian economy. We renewed funding for Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) to ensure stable and ongoing resources to promote women’s full and meaningful economic participation. This includes funding for the Women’s Program, which has reached more than 400,000 women through mentorship, training programs, and job opportunities. Additionally, through WAGE’s Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, we are advancing projects that address barriers to women’s economic participation and success. So far, over 160 organisations across Canada have received funding, including those in Northern communities.

There can be no equality – and no prosperity – without safety. We are strengthening our response to preventing gender-based violence by bringing forward legislation that protects and empowers victims to seek justice in our legal systems. We are also moving forward on responding to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We will always protect the inalienable right of all Canadians to live in freedom, safety, and dignity.

On International Women's Day, as we reflect on how far we've come, we remain vigilant about what we must protect, and we remain determined about accomplishing the work ahead. That is our job as a government, and as Canadians.”

Prime Minister Carney announces by-elections

March 8, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that by-elections will be held on April 13, 2026, in the following electoral districts:

• Scarborough Southwest
• Terrebonne
• University—Rosedale

Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

March 6, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Today, athletes from Canada and around the world gather in Italy for the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

To all members of the Canadian Paralympic Team, this is your moment. After years of dedicated training and immense sacrifice, you’re ready to rise to the challenge and compete at the highest level.

Our Paralympians represent the very best of Canada – their athletic achievements, resilience, and sportsmanship embody the determination and courage that define our country. When they wear the Maple Leaf, they represent something far bigger than any one team – they carry the spirit, pride, and shared aspirations of Canadians.

Good luck, Team Canada. Your country will be cheering you on.”

Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Commonwealth Day

March 9, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Today, Canada joins our fellow Commonwealth partners in marking Commonwealth Day. In a more uncertain and divided world, the Commonwealth remains a constant – bringing together 56 member countries from North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific. Across continents and under different skies, we are united by a shared commitment to work together and pursue the common good.

This unity reflects a shared understanding that we are stronger together. During his visit to Canada last year to deliver the Speech from the Throne, His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, reminded us that no nation can live unto itself. Only by working together can we become better equipped to respond to challenges, more proactive in shaping outcomes, and ultimately more secure and prosperous.

As Canada charts its path forward in this new world, we look to our fellow Commonwealth members as partners. Later this year, Commonwealth governments will gather in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Together, we will continue strengthening the foundations that unite us – democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and economic growth.”