Harper Government Supports Economic Opportunities for Women in the Bio-Economy - Dr. K. Kellie Leitch Celebrates International Women's Week with Biotalent Canada

VANCOUVER, March 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, marked International Women's Week today by announcing Government of Canada support to help advance women in non-traditional careers.

BioTalent Canada is receiving funding through Status of Women Canada to help advance young professional women in the biotechnology-based economy of Vancouver, Toronto, Charlottetown and Montreal. The project's partners and stakeholders will review the challenges women face when integrating into the bio-economy, and will develop sector action plans to help young women address these challenges and advance their careers. This project was selected through the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women.

International Women's Week begins on March 2 and concludes on March 8 with International Women's Day. This year's theme is Strong Women, Strong Canada, Canadian Women - Creating Jobs One Business at a Time. This theme highlights the important contributions women entrepreneurs make to Canada's economic success.

Quick Facts

• Status of Women Canada is providing $231,385 to BioTalent Canada for this 36-month project.
• Since 2007, the Harper Government has delivered more than $53 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects that specifically focus on improving women's economic security and prosperity, including more than $9 million for projects which address women's entrepreneurship.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 680 projects across Canada.
• Canada began commemorating International Women's Day on March 8 following a 1977 United Nations resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth, and supporting a strong and stable economy for all Canadians. That commitment includes supporting projects across the country that help women advance in the bio-economy and a variety of sectors."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project so that more women can advance in the bio-economy of Canada, focussed initially in Vancouver, Toronto, Charlottetown and Montreal. We look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders at the local level to help women achieve this goal."
Mr. Rob Henderson
President and CEO, BioTalent Canada

Additional Links

• Information about International Women's Week and International Women's Day at iwd.gc.ca
• Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Barbara Mottram
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]

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.