Government of Canada supports mentoring opportunities for women in Quebec

New project will support the economic success of women in information and communications technologies

MONT TREMBLANT, QC, Feb. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for a project to promote the advancement of women in the Canadian small and medium-sized technology companies in Quebec.

Association québécoise des technologies is receiving $250,000 for a 30-month project to support the advancement of professional women, and women-owned small and medium businesses (SMEs) in Quebec's information and communications technologies industry by developing a sustainable mentoring model. Working with women and key partners in the industry and the business community, a mentoring model will be piloted with the goal of increasing accessibility to services for professional and entrepreneurial women. After piloting, the organization will integrate the mentoring model into its regular services, and will offer this service to its 500 SME members and affiliates across Quebec.

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.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $60 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, more than $15 million has been for projects that support women in skilled professional trades and technical professions.
• The Government of Canada has established an Expert Panel on Championing and Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs that has been meeting with a cross-section of Canadian business leaders. The Expert Panel will advise the Minister on the innovative best practices for mentorship and championing women-led businesses.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. That's why we are pleased to invest in this project that will support the economic success of women in Quebec's information and communications technologies industry through mentoring."    The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P. Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project that will create powerful mentorship opportunities that support the economic advancement of women in the information and communications technologies industry of Quebec."   Nicole Martel, icd.d President, Quebec Technology Association

Related Products

• Call for Proposals — Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for  Success

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]