Harper Government supports economic opportunities for women in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, May 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Kelly Block, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for  Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, today announced support to help women advance in non-traditional careers.  

YWCA Saskatoon is receiving funding to increase career opportunities for women in Saskatoon's construction sector. Through a collaborative effort with industry, government, training and apprenticeship organizations, this project will see employers and other stakeholders work together to develop concrete actions that increase women's participation in construction-related skilled trades.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women.

Quick Facts

• Status of Women Canada is providing $246,060 to YWCA Saskatoon for this 36 month project.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $54 million through the Women's Program at 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 720 projects across Canada.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to support this project which will create new economic opportunities for women in the construction sector. By advancing more Canadian women in non-traditional fields, we help them to succeed, and help Canada to prosper."

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

"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with YWCA Saskatoon on this project to create new economic options for women in this community. By working together, we are helping women in Saskatoon achieve economic success."

Kelly Block
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to help more women participate in the construction industry in our community. We look forward to collaborating with various local stakeholders to help women achieve this goal."

Barb Macpherson
Executive Director, YWCA Saskatoon

Related Products

• Call for Proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women

Additional Links

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:Andrew McGrath, Press Secretary, 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]; Ce texte est également disponible en français.; For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.