Around the world, entrepreneurship contributes massively to both local economies and the global innovation ecosystem. MP Rachel Bendayan and MK Michal Cotler-Wunsh agree that on the road to recovering from COVID-19, women will have a key role to play. 

Rachel Bendayan was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Outremont in a by-election in February 2019. For close to 10 years, Rachel practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright in the fields of litigation and international arbitration, specializing in international trade law. While in private practice, Rachel also taught at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law. Mom to an active toddler and deeply engaged in her community, Rachel has a strong connection to the families she represents in the Montréal neighbourhoods of Outremont, Mile End, and Côte-des-Neiges.

Michal Cotler-Wunsh is a Member of the Knesset. She serves as Chair of the Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Use, Chair of the Subcommittee on Israel-Diaspora Relations, and as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense, Law, Children’s Rights, Women’s Rights, and Immigration and Integration Committees, and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee. Michal is also the Chair of the Canada-Israel Friendship Group, the Knesset’s Official Representative on Matters Related to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and a founding member of the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism.

“The importance of telling women to follow their dreams cannot be overstated.” – MP Rachel Bendayan.

“The more women lean into entrepreneurship or any leadership role, the better it is for our societies.” – MK Michal Cotler-Wunsh. 

On this week’s special segment, Rachel and Michal discuss the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), the value of mentorship in their careers, and the many benefits of diverse perspectives.

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