Government of Canada supports economic and leadership opportunities for women

EDMONTON, June 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, highlighted Government of Canada actions to create new economic and leadership opportunities for women during the annual conference of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities (FCM) in Edmonton, Alberta.

The Minister highlighted several recent collaborative projects between Status of Women Canada and FCM such as the Headstart for Young Women project. This project has helped young women and girls build the skills and confidence they need to participate in municipal politics. Minister Leitch also took the opportunity to salute the FCM for its leadership over more than a decade in working to increase women's participation in municipal government and municipal decision-making.

Quick Facts

• In April, 2015, Minister Leitch announced a new campaign entitled It Starts with One — Be Her Champion. This campaign challenges leaders in all fields to make a difference in a woman's career by becoming her champion or mentor. Canadians can pledge to join the campaign at women.gc.ca/startswithone.
• Economic Action Plan 2015 announced an Action Plan for Women Entrepreneursto help connect women with the tools they need to succeed in business. This Action Plan includes a series of initiatives such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and increased access to financing and international markets. Economic Action Plan 2015 also commits to modernizing Canada's corporate governance framework. This will include proposed amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Actto promote gender diversity among public companies using the "comply or explain" model of disclosure.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $162 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 780 community-based projects across Canada.
  

Quotes

"Our Government is demonstrating strong leadership through a balanced budget, and a low-tax plan for jobs, growth and security. We will continue taking actions that advance women in leadership positions, including at the municipal level, because we know that when women succeed, Canada succeeds."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

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]