York Region Celebrates International Women’s Day

On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, it is my pleasure to join residents across York Region to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Today, we celebrate the achievements of women, girls and gender diverse people, and their contributions to building fair, equitable, diverse and welcoming communities where everyone can live to their full potential. 

This year’s theme, #EmbraceEquity, invites us to think about how we can each actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence and start a conversation about why equal opportunities are no longer enough. 

Equity means people do not begin life in the same place and circumstances can make it more difficult for people to achieve the same goals. When we embrace equity as a foundation of building inclusive communities, we can collectively change systemic and structural barriers that get in the way of people’s ability to thrive.

Regional Council remains committed to building welcoming and inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. In celebrating International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our responsibility to drive success for all who call our communities home. 

Today, as we celebrate the many accomplishments of individuals across our communities who are building stronger communities for all, we must also recognize more needs to be done to ensure all have an opportunity to succeed in life.

On behalf of Regional Council, I extend my appreciation to all women, girls and gender diverse people for your outstanding contributions to our communities and country. Please accept my best wishes for a happy International Women’s Day.

Wayne Emmerson
York Region Chairman and CEO