Government of Canada promotes increased representation of women on corporate boards

Minister Leitch supports leadership opportunities for women at events hosted by Catalyst and Women in Capital Markets

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today spoke about the importance of increasing the representation of women on corporate boards across the country. Minister Leitch made her remarks at separate events in Toronto organized by Catalyst and by Women in Capital Markets.

As part of these efforts, the Minister highlighted the work of the Government of Canada's Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards. The Council's report was released on June 26, 2014. 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.

Quick Facts

• A report by the Conference Board of Canada has shown that increasing the number of women on company boards can lead to more effective business decision-making and improve corporate performance.
• Status of Women Canada encourages women and girls to participate in leadership and decision-making roles in the private and public sectors. The Agency has also provided funding for projects designed to increase women's presence on corporate boards.

Quotes

"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 to serve on corporate boards. It makes good business 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 Women on Boards 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

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