New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is pleased to partner with the Department of National Defence to offer a professional development half day event in acknowledgement of International Women's Day on Wednesday, March 11^th at City Hall. This event hopes to provide a place for a discussion about why women need allies in modern trades and hopes to help people realize they have the capacity to be allies regardless of their personal demographics. 

“I’m happy that we’re opening up City Hall to host this important discussion about women in trades,” said New Westminster mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “I invite anyone who’s interested, regardless of gender, to attend and learn about how gender inequality affects everyone and why allies are important.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 11^th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at City Hall Council Chamber, and be available online to stream and interact. The day features speaker and moderator Colonel Krista Brodie and speaker Chief Warrant Officer Veronica Gibson, and a panel featuring the following:

• Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC
• Diana McDaniel, Acting Inspector of Special Projects New Westminster Police Department
• Jamila Pomeroy, Writer, Journalist, Model, and Actor
• Jessi Dhanju, Human Rights Lawyer and Advisor to the BC Builders Code

“I am so pleased to represent the Canadian Armed Forces at this year’s “Allies and Modern Trades” panel discussion in acknowledgement of International Women’s Day,” said Colonel Krista Brodie, Commander Canadian Materiel Support Group, Canadian Armed Forces. “I am passionate about gender equality and the important role it plays in strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces. I believe meaningful change cannot be achieved by women alone; developing and nurturing allies and ambassadors creates workplaces where everyone is able to do their best work.”

Please visit www.newwestcity.ca/iwd for more details about this event.

-30-

Media Contact:

Jen Arbo
Economic Development Coordinator
604-636-4458 or