Harper Government launches call for proposals to increase opportunitIes for women in non-traditional roles

EDMONTON, AB, April 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today called for projects that will increase opportunities for women in non-traditional roles, as part of a call for proposals to increase economic opportunities for women in Canada.

"Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Harper Government is committed to creating a strong economy for all Canadians, and women are key to Canada's economic success," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this call for proposals, we will empower more women to succeed and prosper in non-traditional jobs."

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.

The Harper Government is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls 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.

Backgrounder

Women in Non-Traditional Roles

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.

Projects under this call will engage women directly in enhancing their economic options by tapping into opportunities in their communities. Through local partnerships, these projects will identify and address the unique challenges women face, and link them to promising economic opportunities.

This call for proposals highlights the federal government's recognition of the benefits to working with skilled partners at the community level. These organizations will have the capacity to identify needs at the community level, and develop the tools and resources to meet those needs.

Call for proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women

The new call for proposals launched today by the Minister is entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women. It will provide funding for innovative projects that support economic opportunities for Canadian women, including promising practices to increase the participation of women in non-traditional occupations.

Applications under this Call for Proposals for advancing women in non-traditional occupations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on May 31, 2013. Eligible organizations must address a number of predetermined criteria in their responses. More information about this Call for Proposals is available at women.gc.ca.

This Call for Proposals Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women, will help communities create new economic opportunities for women in three thematic areas:

1. Advancing Women in Non-Traditional Occupations: Projects will engage key stakeholders - institutions, employers, sector and professional organizations and communities, etc. - in sector-specific efforts to advance women in non-traditional occupations.
2. Increasing Economic Options for Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit local efforts to advance the economic security and prosperity of women in communities across Canada.
3. Improving Prosperity for Immigrant Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit the capacity of community organizations to respond to immigrant women's economic needs.

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.