Harper Government Aims to Advance Women in Nova Scotia's Digital Economy

HALIFAX, Feb. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Central Nova, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project to enhance women's participation in Nova Scotia's digital economy.

Digital Nova Scotia will focus on increasing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women employed in mid-level positions within the technology sector in Nova Scotia. The organization and partner companies will identify role models in senior management positions and create an inventory of management practices that are supportive of women's leadership advancement. Gender-based business supports will also be delivered such as succession planning, workshops, coaching, and training for managers.

Quick Facts

• Status of Women Canada is providing $298,622 to Digital Nova Scotia for this 36 month project.
• This project is part of the Women in Technology Projects initiative which aims to provide more women an opportunity to play a greater role in the Canadian Digital Economy, where they remain under-represented.
• Through these projects, organizations will work in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). ICTC will also develop an evaluation framework for the funded projects, and share key evaluation findings with other stakeholders.
• Since 2007, more than $53 million has been approved through Status of Women Canada for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 680 projects across Canada.

Quotes

"The number one priority of our Government is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. That is why we continue to support new projects that will help expand and promote greater economic opportunities for women in communities across Canada."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Our Government is dedicated to Canada's economic growth and focused on helping more women succeed all across Canada, including right here in Nova Scotia. The more we break down barriers and support women in pursuing a wide variety of career options, the stronger Canada will be."

The Honourable Peter MacKay
M.P. for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada to help more women leaders in Nova Scotia participate in and lead our digital economy. We believe that fostering best practices in strategic HR management and promoting successful women leaders will have a significant impact on our sector. Not only will this initiative create new career opportunities for women, it will fuel our entire workforce as we strive to be globally competitive."

Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia
President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Nova Scotia

Additional Links

• Information About Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Barbara Mottram
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]

For all other inquiries:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.