Hon. Helena Guergis, PC, MP receives new post: Canada first sole Minister of State (Status of Women)

October 30, 2008

OTTAWA - The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, has nominated today Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey Helena Guergis, to the position of Minister of State (Status of Women).

"I am honoured to have the privilege of serving my country and Prime-Minister as Minister of State-- Status of Women.  The plight for improving women's economic and personal safety and security is a very important issue for me, and I intend to work arduously to advance its cause."

"Even before running for office, I volunteered in a rape-crisis centre and taught elderly women to read.  When I was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Sport, I worked closely with women parliamentarians from Afghanistan, led several women-trade missions, and developed a Women in Sport Policy.  This new portfolio is an opportunity for me to build-on the work I have done in the past and work on new government-wide initiatives" commented Minister of State Guergis.

"Moreover, I would like to thank the people of Simcoe-Grey for their continued support and for the honour of representing them in the House of Commons."