Statement by Canada — Forum on Minority Issues Canada is pleased to participate in the Forum on Minority Issues. I would like to share some of Canada's practices in gathering reliable gender-specific data across minority groups, which we know is critical to assess relative improvements in minority women's status. The Government of Canada compiles a periodic gender-based statistical report entitled 'Women in Canada' which is intended to aid the continuing discussion and evaluation of the changing roles and social characteristics of Canadian women as well as examining policies, programs or initiatives to assess the impact they have on women and men in all their diversity. Understanding the role of women in Canadian society and how it has changed over time is dependent on having information that can begin to shed light on the diverse circumstances and experiences of women. 'Women in Canada' provides an unparalleled compilation of data related to women's family status, education, employment, economic well-being, unpaid work, health, and more. Published by Statistics Canada, it provides users with a valuable source of gender-disaggregated data that help explore issues and trends related to gender equality. Recognizing that women are not a homogenous group and that experiences differ not only across gender but also within gender groups, 'Women in Canada' includes chapters on immigrant women, women in a visible minority, Aboriginal women, senior women, and women with participation and activity limitations. Status of Women Canada and collaborating federal organization's financial support of the publication of Women in Canada helps fulfill the Government of Canada's commitment to encourage Gender-Based Analysis. Canada appreciates this opportunity to exchange valuable information from States and civil society on practices to promote and protect the rights of minority women.