Canada's Minister of Labour and Status of Women salutes 2013 Catalyst Canada honourees

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today congratulated the 2013 Catalyst Canada honourees for their leadership in championing women in Canadian business.

"Our government is committed to ensuring women have the opportunity to put their leadership skills to work," said Minister Leitch. "We know that what is good for Canadian women is good for Canadian business, and that is why we are encouraging their full participation in Canada's corporate boardrooms."

The 2013 Catalyst Canada Honourees are:

• Susan Allen (Business Leader Champion), Assurance Partner, International Team Leader, Global Assurance Quality Review Group, PwC Canada
• Marc-André Blanchard (Company/Firm Leader Champion), Chair and Chief Executive Officer, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
• Kate Broer (Human Resources/Diversity Leader), Partner and Canada Region Co-Chair, Diversity and Inclusion, Dentons Canada LLP
• Purdy Crawford (Special Recognition:  Board Diversity Champion), Counsel, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• Colleen Johnston (Business Leader Champion), Group Head Finance, Sourcing and Corporate Communications and Chief Financial Officer, TD Bank Group
• Lorraine Mitchelmore (Company/Firm Leader Champion), President and Country Chair and Executive Vice-President, Heavy Oil, Shell Canada Limited

"There is a strong business case for advancing women to leadership roles. Catalyst research shows that, on average, companies with more women leaders outperform those with fewer women," said Alex Johnston, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada.  "This year's honourees have stepped up to champion women as leaders within their organizations.  We are proud to celebrate their success."

The Catalyst Canada Honours Awards recognize individuals who promote the advancement of women in Canadian business. In Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced the creation of an Advisory Council to promote the participation of women on corporate boards. As an ex-officio member of this council, Catalyst Canada brings extensive expertise on women in the workplace, based on their fifty-year history of research and activism.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

For all other inquiries, contact:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.women.gc.ca.