Malala to address Canadian Parliament on Apr 12, receive honourary citizenship

OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani Nobel laureate will visit Canada on April 12, 2017 to address the Canadian Parliament.

During the visit, Yousafzai will also officially receive the honourary Canadian citizenship which was bestowed upon her in 2014 following his courageous role for girls’ education and the rights of women and girls.

At 15 years old, Ms. Yousafzai was the target of Taliban assassins after she became an outspoken advocate for the right of girls to learn and to attend school. She has since become an international spokesperson for girls’ education and the rights of women and girls. In recognition of this work, she was named a co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.

Prime Minister Trudeau also met with Yousafzai to discuss girls’ empowerment through education and how they can actively contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and countries.

The prime minister said, “I am pleased to announce Malala Yousafzai’s upcoming visit to Canada. Ms. Yousafzai’s courageous response to those who threatened her life, and her advocacy for girls’ education, has inspired many millions of people around the world. Her story is one of determination and dignity, and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country. I look forward to attending the upcoming ceremony and witnessing the historic moment when she becomes the youngest person to address the Parliament of Canada.”

Meanwhile, Malala Yousafzai said, “The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honoured by Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes.”

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