Harper Government supports economic opportunities for immigrant women in Toronto

TORONTO, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Brad Butt, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville, today announced Government of Canada funding for a new project to increase economic opportunities for immigrant women in Toronto.

The Working Women Community Centre is receiving $187,422 for its 24-month project to address the barriers faced by foreign-trained professionals, including newcomer mothers. The organization will work with Seneca College and employment partners to develop a strategy to reduce systemic barriers experienced by immigrant women in their careers.  The recommendations and best practices that result from the project will be shared with other service providers and programs across the country.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada's call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

Quick Facts

• The Working Women Community Centre is receiving $187,422 for its 24-month project to address barriers faced by foreign-trained professionals, including newcomer mothers.
• The call for proposals, Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women, supports projects that promote women's economic prosperity by addressing barriers to success and capitalizing on opportunities.
•   Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $162 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 780 community-based projects across Canada. This includes more than $68 million for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• Status of Women Canada launched a new campaign in April 2015 called It Starts with One—Be Her Champion, which challenges leaders in all fields to make a difference in a woman's life by pledging to be her champion or mentor.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is to create jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.  We are investing in community projects all across the country that will open new doors of opportunity for a wide range of women. We know that when women succeed, Canada succeeds."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"The Government of Canada is working to ensure that all women have the opportunity to contribute to our economic success. I am proud of our Government's investment in this project, which will help immigrant women in Toronto succeed and strengthen the local economy."

Brad Butt, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville

"Women who have been trained overseas often face barriers in the workplace that can prevent them from reaching their full potential as professionals. This Government of Canada support will allow us to work with our partners in the community to address these barriers and help these women advance in their careers."

Marcie Ponte, Executive Director
Working Women Community Centre

Related Products

• Information about the call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women
• Information about It Starts with One—Be Her Champion

Additional Links

• Information about Status of Women Canada at 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 WaughDirector General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]