Harper Government supports new initiative to improve economic security for women caregivers in Edmonton

EDMONTON, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women announced funding for a new project to improve the economic security of women caregivers in Edmonton.

The Alberta Caregivers Association will receive $172,371 for a two-year project that will work to increase economic opportunities for women who are providing care for family members who are either ill, aging, or have a disability in Edmonton, Alberta. Through the project, tools, training or policies will be developed and piloted with employers to assist them in adopting supportive and inclusive work environments for women caregivers.

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

Quick Facts

• Statistics Canada (2007) reports that 37% of employed women over 45 provide care for a loved one.
• Employed women caregivers are more likely to experience employment consequences related to care giving than employed men caregivers (Research on Aging, Policies and Practice, 2011).
• Since 2007, the Harper Government has invested more than $146 million in community-based projects through Status of Women Canada. Of this amount, more than $54 million has gone to projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• The Government of Canada recently announced plans to introduce additional tax relief and benefits to make life more affordable for Canadian women and their families. This includes an enhanced Universal Child Care Benefit, an increase in the amount that can be claimed under the Child Care Expense Deduction, the Family Tax Cut, and the doubling of the Children's Fitness Tax Credit.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to creating a strong economy for all Canadians, including women and their families. For this reason, we are supporting projects in cities across the country that will expand economic options for women and benefit the whole community."     

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

"The Government of Canada recognizes that the demands of caring for an aging, ill or disabled family member can put incredible financial strain on families, particularly women.  This innovative new project will work with employers right here in Edmonton to explore the best ways to meet the needs of women caregivers and the businesses that employ them."     

The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health and Regional Minister for Northern Alberta
Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Spruce Grove

"Women caregivers in Edmonton face many challenges when they look for work. In particular, the need for flexibility can be difficult to accommodate. With this Government of Canada funding, we will work directly with employers to help them create supportive work environments that allow women caregivers to balance the demands of both work and family."

Laura Fitzgerald
President, Alberta Caregivers Association

Related Products

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

Additional Links

• Information About Status of Women Canada (http://www.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]