A local member of Parliament has been chosen by Andrew Scheer's federal Conservatives to be the opposition Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Karen Vecchio was named to the position on Friday.
"Over the past four years, I have served on the Status of Women Committee as both a member and as the chair. It has provided me incredible insight into the unique challenges women face across the country and I believe that I can bring a fair and positive vision to this role," she said in a statement. "I will always fight for true equality for all Canadians."
Vecchio said she intends to make human trafficking a key issue, along with maximizing opportunities and support for women who are survivors of violence and abuse. The MP added that it's critical to advocate on behalf of women working in science, engineering, technology and math industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
"I look forward to working with and for these inspiring women and making sure that their voices are heard in Parliament," said Vecchio.
Maryam Monsef is the current Minister for Women and Gender Equality in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet.
