Government of Canada promotes economic opportunities for women in Canada - Minister Leitch highlights government actions supporting women's economic success

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today highlighted how critically important women are to Canada's economic success and future prosperity. The Minister made her remarks during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Minister Leitch took the opportunity to highlight the Government of Canada's strong record of taking actions that to promote economic and leadership opportunities for Canadian women, from skilled trades to corporate boards. This includes an investment of more than $54 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, over $12 million in funding has been provided for projects that support women in skilled trades and technical professions.

Quick Facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 outlined the Government's commitment to increasing mentorship for women looking to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs.The Government is now actively consulting Canadians on how best to increase the number of women entering into and succeeding in business.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposed the creation of the Canada Apprentice Loan by expanding the Canada Student Loans Program to provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with access to over $100 million in interest-free loans each year.
• On June 26, 2014, the report of the Government of Canada's Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards was released. It recommends that the public and private sectors in Canada aspire to seeing women attain 30% of all board positions over the next five years. It also outlines a roadmap for making this happen.
• The Government of Canada has provided over $146 million in funding through Status of Women Canada to support more than 720 projects since 2007.

Quote

"Creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity is still the number one priority of our Government. That is why we support increasing opportunities for women throughout Canada's economy, from skilled trades to corporate boards. It makes sense for Canadian women, and for Canada's economy."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Additional Links

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

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, 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], [email protected]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]