Government of Canada salutes BPW Canada for adopting and promoting Women's Empowerment Principles

LONDON, ON, June 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament (London North Centre) and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, saluted the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada) for adopting and promoting the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP), in partnership with BPW International, UN Women and the UN Global Compact.

The BPW Canada WEP Project is being launched at a gala event on June 23, at the organization's National Convention, being held in London, from June 21 to 24, 2012.

Both Minister Ambrose and Ms. Truppe are signatories to the BPW Canada Women's Empowerment Principles Statement of Support.

"Increasing opportunities for women to excel makes good business sense for Canadian women and for Canada's economy," said Minister Ambrose. "As Minister for Status of Women, I salute BPW Canada for its commitment to helping women gain the skills and opportunities they need to be strong leaders."

"The Government of Canada supports the full participation of women in the life of our country, and women's empowerment is a key element in achieving that goal," said Ms. Truppe. "As the BPW Canada Women's Empowerment Principles demonstrate, women's can success translate into success for their communities and ultimately, for Canada, too."

Under the slogan Equality Means Business, BPW Canada has is launching the Women's Empowerment Principles in Canada. The goal is to help advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and civil society.

The seven Women's Empowerment Principles are:

• Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality.
• Treat all women and men fairly at work - respect and support human rights and non-discrimination.
• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers.
• Promote education, training and professional development for women.
• Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women.
• Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy.
• Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.

BPW International was one of the first non-governmental organizations (NGO) to recognize the importance of the Women's Empowerment Principles, which are the result of a collaborative partnership between UNIFEM (part of UN Women) and the UN Global Compact. The partnership promotes collaboration between government, the private sector, NGOs and the United Nations to advance gender equality.

The theme of this year's BPW Canada Convention is Yours, Mine, Ours to Create / Le vôtre, le mien, le nôtre à créer.

For media inquiries only:
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
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 www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.