Canada has a new Minister for Women and Gender Equality. Rechie Valdez has been chosen to manage all things gender equality for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.
Valdez’s assignment comes after Carney initially eliminated the position upon becoming Prime Minister in late March. The previous minister’s cut came as a surprise to feminist organizations across the country.
In an email, Jackie Neapole, Executive Director of Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, said the reinstatement was ‘encouraging.’
“We are relieved that the Prime Minister reinstated this position, as the initial cabinet announced by the Prime Minister in March 2025 had eliminated the dedicated WAGE position. Dedicated leadership and resources, accountability, and sustained action is needed in government to work toward equality for all women in Canada,” said Neapole.
Carney selected 28 members for his new cabinet, including Valdez, who is the MP for Mississauga-Streetsville. She has been elected as MP in the Ontario riding since 2021. According to her LinkedIn, she has been a member of various parliamentary committees, such as the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association and as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Neapole hopes the new minister will continue collaboration feminist organizations to tackle issues affecting women and gender minorities in Canada.
“We are in a time of backlash, where regressive anti-feminist movements are growing around the world. It is precisely in this time where the Canadian government must stand up for women’s rights and gender equality. We hope to continue to build on the relationships feminists have fostered with WAGE since it became a ministry in 2018,” said Neapole.
With the Ministry of WAGE being revived, Neapole says, “It shows that the Prime Minister values women’s rights and gender equality and recognizes its importance even in these tumultuous times.”
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