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The NDP government will “build feminism in Alberta,” according to the province’s Status of Women minister, who vowed Tuesday to narrow the gender wage gap, ensure equal opportunity for new immigrants and improve supports for indigenous women.

Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s first cabinet minister responsible for women in 19 years, unveiled her vision for the province’s new Status of Women ministry, while she accused the former Progressive Conservative government of failing to address gender inequality.

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“In the most unequal province in Canada, our work is long overdue; it is urgent and it is necessary,” Phillips told a gathering of women in leadership positions at the McDougall Centre in downtown Calgary.

“We will work with our caucus across government until every Albertan has their chance to meet their full potential, regardless of gender or identity,” she said.

In the next three months, Phillips’ staff will develop a mandate for the Status of Women ministry, identify immediate priorities and set out a long-term plan. By April 2016, the ministry is expected to be fully operational.

The minister’s sweeping commitments for gender equality come as Alberta men occupy more executive positions in the public sector and generally earn higher pay than their female counterparts.