I wish to thank the Minerva Foundation for inviting me here this evening to join this celebration. Your initiative, “Combining our Strength” has proven once again the value of working together to achieve common goals.

In this, the 150th year since the establishment of the Colony of British Columbia, we are collectively looking back at our history. It is a time to reflect on where we have come from as a society as a means to determine where we might be going.

I wonder whether an organization like the Minerva Foundation could have existed back then. We have come a long as a society in terms of equal opportunity for women. I know, however, that most of the people living under the poverty line are women and children. I know that we have yet to achieve total equality in all areas of society for women and, more particularly, for Aboriginal women.

This means that the good work Minerva is now doing is very important today and will be required to continue as long as inequities exist. Your work to assist young women to continue their education means that society as a whole will in time benefit from their contributions. Therefore, by helping women achieve success you are helping society achieve its broader objectives as well. Thanks to the organizers of this event and congratulations to the Minerva Foundation for what is a very successful initiative.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8S 1V9

PHONE:(250) 387-2080

FAX:(250) 387-2078

EMAIL:ghinfo@gov.bc.ca

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