Harper Government supports manufacturing sector opportunities for women in Manitoba

Parliamentary Secretary Truppe announces new support for Winnipeg's Centre for Education and Work

WINNIPEG, Aug. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, on behalf of Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women, and Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, announced support to increase opportunities in non-traditional occupations for women in Manitoba.

The Centre for Education and Work is receiving funding for a project to collaborate with employers and existing employment development programs to increase support for women entering the manufacturing industry in Manitoba. A series of resources, including digital tools and a "women in manufacturing" website, will be developed to increase the access women have to best practices for advancing in the manufacturing sector. Training and education institutions will be engaged to incorporate these new resources into existing curricula. The organization will also work with employers to integrate the new tools into recruitment and retention practices.

This project was selected under the theme of advancing women in non-traditional occupations as part of the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women.

Quick Facts

• Status of Women Canada is providing $250,000 to the Centre for Education and Work for this 36-month project.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $54 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. This includes funding of over $12 million for projects that support women in non-traditional occupations.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 720 projects across Canada.
• Women now represent nearly half the Canadian workforce, yet continue to be under-represented certain fields. 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.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes that women are key to Canada's economic success. That's why we are creating new economic opportunities for women throughout our economy, from skilled trades to corporate boards. Doing so helps women and their families succeed, and our country to prosper."

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

"Our Government is proud to be investing in the economic security and prosperity of Canadian women from coast to coast to coast. By supporting community-based projects in Manitoba and across the country, we are helping create new paths to prosperity for Canadian women in non-traditional occupations."

Susan Truppe
Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women

"The Government of Canada is proud to support this important project with the Winnipeg Centre for Education and Work. Through this collaborative partnership, we will support the creation of new economic opportunities in the manufacturing sector for many women in our community."

Joyce Bateman
Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South Centre)

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to provide new economic options for women in Manitoba. By collaborating with local partners, we will provide valuable new resources that can create new paths to prosperity in the manufacturing sector for women in our community."

Dr. Robin Millar
Executive Director
Centre for Education and Work

Related Products

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

Additional Links

• Information About Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_swc
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: CanadaSWC   
• Subscribe to our E-Newsletter: Leading the Way
• Photos of Minister Leitch are available.  

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, A/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 Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]