Issue #10: In Conversation with Deputy Minister Frances McRae

A meeting took place on April 21, 2026, with Frances McRae, the Canadian Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality, alongside the International Youth Council on Gender Equality. The attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about ways to improve gender equality within the Canadian government further. 

During the introduction period, the Deputy Minister shares her experience of being the only girl in a house with ten brothers. She specifically explained how her brothers had instant access to sports, while she did not, and this discrepancy applied to other situations as well. Furthermore, she had to deal with the trauma of losing her father at that young age, which had a devastating impact on her family. She highlighted that her mother is a strong woman who raised her and her brothers, serving as an incredible role model in McRae’s life. These experiences influenced her understanding of inequality and inspired her commitment to creating more equitable opportunities for future generations. 

Throughout the discussion, Deputy Minister McRae highlighted the federal government’s continued investment in gender equality initiatives, including ongoing funding for grants and contributions that support long-term partnerships and systemic change. She also emphasized the importance of Gender-Based Analysis plus (GBA+), a framework legally required in Canada’s budgeting process that evaluates how investments affect diverse groups of people. Canada remains one of the few countries to formally integrate GBA+ into legislation (Government of Canada, n.d.). 

The conversation also focused on ongoing challenges surrounding youth violence, workplace inequality, and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Deputy Minister McRae discussed campaigns promoting healthy relationships and allyship for LGBTQIA+ youth, while emphasizing the need for safer and more inclusive environments. She also noted that women continue to face barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries despite progress in workforce participation (Statistics Canada, 2023). 

When discussing the role of youth in advocacy, Deputy Minister McRae encouraged IYCGE members to focus on issues most important to young people and continue bringing youth perspectives into policy discussions. She emphasized that youth voices offer insights that are often overlooked but are essential in shaping effective and inclusive policies. The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that collaboration between youth organizations and government institutions is essential in advancing gender equality and creating meaningful, lasting change across Canada.