Government of Canada supports economic opportunities for women in Montreal

Minister Leitch announces projects for stem careers, immigrant entrepreneurs, skilled trades

MONTREAL, April 10, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Senator Diane Bellemare (Alma), announced Government of Canada funding for several projects to increase economic opportunities for women and young women in the Montreal area.

Youth Employment Services (YES) is receiving $223,989 for a 30-month project to develop a mentoring program that will encourage the retention and advancement of Anglophone women in small and medium enterprises in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The mentoring model will be evaluated through a pilot with local businesses. YES will continue to support and implement the mentoring model in other small and medium sized enterprises in the STEM sector after the project's completion.

The Centre d'encadrement pour jeunes femmes immigrantes is receiving $237,874 for a 36-month project to identify success factors and implement best practices that support the economic prosperity of immigrant women entrepreneurs, while ensuring diverse cultural needs are taken into account. Consultations will take place with service providers in key communities in order to improve the services they offer for immigrant women entrepreneurs. 

The Association chrétienne des jeunes femmes de Montréal (Y des femmes de Montréal) is receiving $214,225 for a 36-month project to increase the economic prosperity of young women by improving career orientation practices in secondary schools for skilled trades and technical professions. A needs assessment will be carried out by working with young women, school systems, and women's groups. The organization will develop and implement action plans to diversify the career guidance programs in two secondary schools. 

These projects were selected through the Government of Canada's call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

Quick Facts

• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $153 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 750 community-based projects across Canada.
• Through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada, the federal government has invested more than $60 million since 2007 in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 outlined the Government's commitment to increasing mentorship for women looking to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. That's why we are pleased to invest in these projects that will open new doors of opportunity for women, young women and girls in the Montreal region."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"I am proud of our Government's investment in these projects in Montreal that will support the economic success of immigrant women entrepreneurs, and women pursuing careers in the skilled trades, technical professions, and STEM fields."
Senator Diane Bellemare (Alma)

"We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada on a new mentoring program to advance Anglophone women in small and medium enterprises in the STEM fields. This collaboration will support new economic opportunities for women in the Montreal area."
Iris Unger, Executive Director
Youth Employment Services (YES)

"Our organization is pleased to have this opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada in support of the economic success of immigrant women entrepreneurs in the Montreal area by improving supports they receive in the community."
Luciano DelNegro, Président du conseil d'administration
Centre d'encadrement pour jeunes femmes immigrantes

"We are pleased to have the Government of Canada as a partner on this project. By working together to enhance career orientation practices in secondary schools for skilled trades and technical professions, more young women will see these as viable career options and pathways to prosperity."
Lilia Goldfarb, Director of Youth and Employment Services – Co-Director Community Services, Association chrétienne des jeunes femmes de Montréal

Related Products

• Call for Proposals - Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

Additional Links

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