Harper Government Increases Leadership Opportunities for Women in Toronto

TORONTO, July 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will strengthen leadership opportunities for women in Toronto.

"Our Government is focused on what matters to Canadians - creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Leitch. "Women are key to Canada's economic success, and we are committed to increasing leadership opportunities for Canadian women."

Working for Change is receiving $266,630 in funding from the Government of Canada for a 36-month project entitled "Roots/Routes to Women's Leadership and Empowerment: Best Practices". This project will promote leadership through economic empowerment for women in Toronto. Participants will receive leadership training and mentorship that will help strengthen their skills and confidence, and assist them in taking on leadership roles in their communities. The project will create a best-practices model that can be shared across the country.

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to create real leadership opportunities for women in Toronto," said Paul Quinn, Board Chair of Working for Change. "By working together to remove barriers they face, we will help more women succeed and build prosperous futures right here in our own community."

The Harper Government is committed to strengthening Canada's economy with initiatives that create jobs while supporting families and communities. 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, supporting over 600 projects. Since 2007, more than $21 million has been approved for projects that promote women's leadership and democratic participation.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:             
Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Labour and
Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646  

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839 

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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