TORONTO, April 9, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, today hosted a roundtable to discuss women in non-traditional occupations and highlighted the Harper Government's commitment to increasing economic opportunities for women.
"I am proud that our government supports the full participation of women in the economic and social life of our country, including in non-traditional occupations," said Ms. Truppe. "I believe the greater the role women play in these sectors, the more they can contribute to jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."
To meet this priority, Economic Action Plan 2013 announced a number of measures to better connect Canadians with job opportunities. These measures will contribute to increased representation of women in all occupations, including skilled trades and other non-traditional occupations, many of which are experiencing skills shortages.
"Our Government remains focused on what matters to Canadians - jobs, growth and long term economic prosperity," said Minister Ambrose. "Empowering more women to succeed in non-traditional careers makes sense for Canadian women and Canada's economy."
Susan Truppe is hosting a series of roundtables, as well as meetings with representatives from various non-traditional sectors for women including, mining, engineering, and construction trades.
"We welcome the opportunity to host and participate in discussions like this roundtable today because it helps us provide students with as much information as possible about educational pathways and career choices ahead of them," said Chris Whitaker, President of Humber College. "Events like today help us share with students the kinds of experience and knowledge that employers are looking for, and how to prepare for their future."
Women now represent nearly half the Canadian workforce, yet continue to be under-represented in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In 2009, women represented just 22.3% of Canadians with occupations in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences. In 2012, women represented only 4% of those working in construction trades, and 20% of those working in primary industries such as forestry, mining, oil and gas.
The Harper Government is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. The government's support through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $6 million had been approved through Status of Women Canada for projects that support women in non-traditional occupations.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421
For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.
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