Chelsae Petrovic
The advancement of women represents a major through line in the history of Alberta and the world, Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic told the legislature March 8.
And the provincial government keeps that narrative of success and influence unfolding, Petrovic said in honour of International Women’s Day.
“The Alberta dream serves as an equal opportunity for everyone to succeed,” Petrovic said. “Our government has committed to this dream, empowering females to succeed in fulfilling careers of their choice.”
Petrovic acknowledged the Famous Five for their landmark legal action of the late 1920s, known as the Persons Case, to get women recognized as persons in the Constitution.
They and other women past and present personify Accelerate Action, the theme of the 114th iteration of the day, March 8.
The theme emphasizes “the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality,” Petrovic said. “We do that by celebrating, respecting and empowering women every day, by championing women role models and leaders in our community. . . and by creating opportunities and removing barriers so women can achieve their greatest potential.”
The UCP member highlighted work done by Tanya Fir, the status of women minister, for her support of the Women in STEM Scholarship and the Persons Case Scholarship. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.)
Petrovic added that Fir has set new standards for championing women by launching the Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship, the first and only provincially funded scholarship of its kind in Canada.
“Alberta women bring invaluable strength and dedication to our communities and economy,” Petrovic said. “By empowering females, Alberta continues to help create an equal and better future for women and girls, ensuring our province is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
