Government of Canada Expands Economic Opportunities For Women In Non-Traditional Occupations

OTTAWA, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, today hosted a roundtable to discuss women in non-traditional occupations and the federal government's commitment to increasing economic opportunities for women.

"The number one priority of our Government is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, and women are critical to Canada's economic success," said Ms. Truppe. "That is why the federal government is creating greater economic opportunities for women in many sectors, including in non-traditional occupations."

Economic Action Plan 2013 announced a number of measures to better connect Canadians with job opportunities. These measures will contribute to increased representation of women in all occupations, including skilled trades and other non-traditional occupations, many of which are experiencing skills shortages.

"Empowering more women to succeed in non-traditional careers makes sense for Canadian women and for Canada's economy," said Minister Ambrose. "It will also help to break down barriers and inspire young women and girls to pursue a wide variety of career options."

Susan Truppe is hosting a series of roundtables, as well as meetings with representatives from various non-traditional sectors for women including, mining, engineering, and construction trades.

"We welcome the opportunity to host this roundtable as part of our efforts to give students as much information as possible about their career choices and the educational pathways they can follow," said Claude Brulé, Vice President Academic at Algonquin College in Ottawa. "As they consider their future plans, events like this one today help us share with students the kinds of experience and knowledge that employers are looking for."

Women now represent nearly half the Canadian workforce, yet continue to be under-represented in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In 2009, women represented just 22.3% of Canadians with occupations in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences. In 2012, women represented only 4% of those working in construction trades, and 20% of those working in primary industries such as forestry, mining, oil and gas.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. The government's support through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $6 million had been approved through Status of Women Canada for projects that support women in non-traditional occupations.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 

Michael Bolkenius
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

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 women.gc.ca.