Government of Canada supports economic opportunities for immigrant women in Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and Brad Butt, MP for Mississauga-Streetsville, announced Government of Canada funding for a new project to increase economic opportunities for immigrant women in Mississauga.

Red Shawl is receiving $81,124 in Government of Canada funding for a project entitled Closing the Gap for Women in Peel: a gender-based analysis of income security and economic prospects. This project will addressbarriers facing newcomer and immigrant women entrepreneurs in the Peel region. Through a gender-based needs assessment, the project will develop strategies and identify best practices to improve economic opportunities for women, as well as develop recommendations to improve local programs and initiatives that promote women's economic security and prosperity.

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 right here in Mississauga. This project with Red Shawl will help us do just that right here in our own community by supporting newcomer and immigrant women entrepreneurs."

Brad Butt
Member of Parliament, Mississauga-Streetsville

"We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to develop strategies and identify best practices that will improve economic opportunities for immigrant women right here in our own community. It is going to make a real difference in the lives of many women and their families."

Zari Gill, President
Red Shawl

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]