On March 8, 2026, the Constituency Office of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Member of Parliament for Nepean and Prime Minister of Canada, hosted its International Women’s Day Celebration at the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club in Nepean. The event brought together hundreds of community members to recognise and celebrate the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women in Nepean and across Canada.
The celebration featured a range of speakers whose work spans public policy, economics, entrepreneurship, and public service. Madame Diana Fox Carney, economist, climate policy expert, and spouse of Prime Minister Carney, shared reflections on the importance of girls’ leadership, Nepean’s history, and the role of inclusive economic growth in building stronger communities.
The event also featured speeches delivered by women leaders from across the National Capital Region, including the Honourable Mona Fortier, former Minister and former Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester; Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac—Kitigan Zibi and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans; and Giovanna Mingarelli, Member of Parliament for Prescott–Russell–Cumberland. Speakers shared their experiences in leadership and public service while highlighting the importance of advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for women and girls to succeed.
Madame Diana Fox Carney speaks at the International Women’s Day Celebration hosted by the Constituency Office of the Right Honourable Mark Carney on March 8, 2026, at the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club in Nepean, sharing reflections on women’s leadership, inclusive economic growth, and the importance of empowering the next generation.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees engaged in constructive conversations about the challenges women continue to face, the progress achieved, and the work still needed to build a more inclusive and equitable future. The event also recognised the vital role of local women leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates whose dedication continues to strengthen Nepean’s vibrant community.
The Government of Canada continues to support women entrepreneurs and business owners through programs that provide access to financing, mentorship, and networks. Initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, backed by nearly $7 billion in federal support, are helping women start and grow businesses, access capital, and contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
Junior dancers from Nepean perform a Scottish Highland sword dance during the International Women’s Day Celebration on March 8, 2026.
Prime Minister Carney's government is also taking action to address gender-based violence and support survivors through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, backed by a federal investment of $601.3 million over five years. This work supports prevention efforts, survivor services, and collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and community organizations.
Furthermore, the federal government is also supporting women’s economic participation through investments that help make it easier for families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, the Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to build a high-quality, affordable child care system, supported by more than $30 billion in federal funding over five years. These investments are helping create more child care spaces, reduce costs for families, and support parents—particularly women—who wish to participate fully in the workforce.
Community members attend the International Women’s Day Celebration hosted by the Constituency Office of the Right Honourable Mark Carney on March 8, 2026, at the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club in Nepean.