Harper Government supports mentoring opportunities for women in Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area

New project will support the economic success of women in the landscape and horticulture industries

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2015 /CNW / - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for a project to promote the advancement of women in the Canadian landscape and horticulture industries through mentorship opportunities.

The Community MicroSkills Development Centre is receiving $250,000 for a 24-month project to collaborate with women, industry representatives such as Landscape Ontario, and local employers, to pilot and formalize a mentorship model in the landscape and horticulture sectors. Focused in the Greater Toronto Area, Durham, and Wellington/Waterloo, this project will address the barriers to advancement for women in these sectors such as biased perceptions of women's capabilities, or lack of business and social networks. Employers will be involved in all phases of the project, and a key collaboration with Landscape Ontario will see its regional chapters directly engaged in the design, piloting and evaluation of the mentorship model.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals entitled Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for Success.

Quick Facts

• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $153 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 750 community-based projects across Canada.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $60 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, more than $15 million has been for projects that support women in skilled professional trades and technical professions.
• The Government of Canada has established an Expert Panel on Championing and Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs that has been meeting with a cross-section of Canadian business leaders. The Expert Panel will advise the Minister on the innovative best practices for mentorship and championing women-led businesses.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. That's why we are pleased to invest in this project in the Greater Toronto Area that will support the economic success of women in the landscape and horticulture industries through new mentorship opportunities."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Mentoring is a powerful way to position women for success. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project that will support the advancement of women in the landscape and horticulture industries in the Greater Toronto Area by creating new opportunities for mentorship."
Abhi Verma, Vice-Chairperson
Board of Directors, Community MicroSkills Development Centre

Related Products

• Call for Proposals — Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for  Success

Additional Links

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

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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, 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]