Government of Canada highlights critical role of women in Canada's economic success

Minister Hajdu welcomes launch of Canadian Board Diversity Council 2015 Annual Report Card

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC) 2015 Annual Report Card at a launch event in Toronto. The Report Card highlights the fact that more women and visible minorities than ever are now serving in positions on Canadian boards.

Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, also took the opportunity to underscore how important women are to Canada's future prosperity, in positions from skilled trades to corporate boards. The Minister noted that progress is being made in the representation of women on boards, but that more can still be done. She added that the federal government is committed to taking actions that will increase the economic and leadership opportunities for women and girls in communities across the country.

Quick Facts

• The CBDC Annual Report Card indicates that women now hold 19.5 per cent of the seats on the boards of Canada's biggest companies, up from 17.1 per cent in 2014. The report says this is the largest one-year increase in female representation on the boards of FP500 companies, which are Canada's largest firms by revenue, since 2001.
• Minister Hajdu will continue engaging organizations, business leaders, and the corporate sector in order to further increase women's representation on boards.
• The Government of Canada recognizes that women are critical to Canada's economic success. As part of its plans to boost the Canadian economy, the federal government will identify innovative ways to support new economic and leadership opportunities for women.
• Through Status of Women Canada, the federal government supports projects that engage organizations at the national, regional, and local level. These projects tap into the expertise of these organizations to enhance the economic security and prosperity of women and girls.

Quote

"We all know that progress towards greater diversity doesn't happen by itself. That's why I welcome this new Report Card that says more women and visible minorities than ever are serving in board positions. I also applaud CBDC's efforts to ensure the modern, diverse Canada we have built together is better reflected around our country's boardroom tables."

Patty Hajdu
Minister of Status of Women

Additional Links

• Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

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

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]