Statement made on 17 November 2010 by Senator Rod Zimmer
Hon. Rod A.A. Zimmer:
Honourable senators, I rise today to congratulate my dear friend and former colleague, the Honourable Belinda Stronach, on her receipt of Equal Voice's EVE Award, in recognition of her philanthropic and political contributions to the promotion of women in public life.
On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, I had the pleasure of attending the Women in Public Life luncheon along with my fellow colleague Senator Frum, as well as the former ambassador of Cuba, Mr. Mark Entwistle.
The event was presented by the Canadian Club of Ottawa and Equal Voice. Equal Voice is a group of women and men who are deeply concerned about Canadian politics and have formed a multi-partisan non-profit organization, devoted to the still-bold idea that more women must be elected to every level of government in Canada. I strongly support their mission and applaud the works of Ms. Stronach, the women in this chamber and the other place, as well as those in all levels of government.
I will also take this opportunity to support Senator Hervieux-Payette's bill, Bill S-206, which would require public companies under this jurisdiction to increase gradually the number of women on their boards of directors until the promotion reaches 50 per cent.
Honourable senators, finally, I applaud Ms. Stronach for all the philanthropic work she does on behalf of the Belinda Stronach Foundation. I am proud to be a member of the board.