Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
WINNIPEG WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Monday, March 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
(please check against delivery)
Fellow Manitobans, champions of opportunities for women and prosperity for Manitoba – it’s a pleasure to join you for a day of learning and inspiration.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, with gratitude I acknowledge that we are gathering on Treaty 1 land and in the heartland of the Red River Metis. Our province is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Cree nations. Manitoba includes northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
It seems appropriate to me that this year’s conference falls on on Commonwealth Day – a day celebrating the 56 independent nations of the Commonwealth and their shared values. This year, the theme of Commonwealth Day is “Together we Thrive” – which is a fitting phrase to apply to this conference celebrating women in business and leadership.
We’re also meeting in the ideal location for such a gathering.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights celebrates the evolution of human rights in a global and a Canadian context. And it provides visitors with knowledge to empower them to speak out for justice, dignity, freedom and opportunity.
Those of you who have toured the museum know that it tells the stories of many pathfinders –citizens throughout the world whose vision, determination and courage has shown a way forward for others to follow.
And today, as participants in the Winnipeg Women’s Conference, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with many pathfinders in person.
The entrepreneurs, visionaries and mentors speaking today have found ways to lead – by identifying needs, visualizing solutions, and creating communities.
The success of women in business and leadership is a source of strength for our entire province and for Canada. If we can bring all the talent, dreams and determination of all Canadians to bear on creating prosperity, we will make our society stronger, more resilient, more dynamic.
All Manitobans, therefore, have a stake in the success of initiatives like this conference.
May this be a great day of learning, making new friends and building new networks for all of you.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
