Government of Canada supports economic opportunities for immigrant women in Calgary

CALGARY, July 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Joan Crockatt, MP for Calgary Centre, announced Government of Canada funding for a new project to increase economic opportunities for immigrant women in Calgary.

The Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) is receiving $216,848 for a 36-month project to enhance the economic prosperity of immigrant women who work in Calgary's food industry. Solutions will be piloted to improve their access to services such as childcare, training, and mentoring. As part of the project, the organization will coordinate action among women, businesses, service providers, and training programs.

The project announced today was selected through the Government of Canada's call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

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.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided over $162 million through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects. Of this amount, more than $68 million has been invested in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• As part of Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government of Canada will create and execute an Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs to help more women start and grow their businesses. The Government of Canada has also committed to implementing measures that will ensure increased representation of women in leadership roles within some of Canada's largest companies.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is to create jobs and opportunities for all Canadians. One of the ways we do this is through community-based projects that support women's economic security and prosperity. We know 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

"I'm proud of our Government's actions supporting the economic security and prosperity of women across the country, and this partnership with the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association will help us do just that right here in our own community."

Joan Crockatt,
Member of Parliament, Calgary Centre

"We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to increase economic opportunities for immigrant women in Calgary's food industry by overcoming barriers such as limited access to childcare, training and mentoring."

Sarah J. King-D'Souza, Board President
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association

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]