Harper Government supports opportunities for women in the energy sector - New project will create opportunities for women in Northern British Columbia's energy sector

VANCOUVER, August 11, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support to increase opportunities in non-traditional occupations for women in British Columbia's energy sector.

The BC Women in Energy Network Society is receiving funding to increase economic opportunities for women in Northern British Columbia. The focus of the project is to engage stakeholders in developing an industry action plan that enhances the recruitment and retention of women, including Aboriginal and immigrant women in the natural gas industry, which often remains a non-traditional career path. In order to align these efforts with future growth opportunities, the project's partners will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the energy sector in Northern B.C., including ongoing and planned projects, supply chain components, labour requirements and training opportunities.

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 $244,000 to the BC Women in Energy Network Society 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

"Women make an enormous contribution to the Canadian economy and to all aspects of Canadian life. Our Government is supporting women by creating jobs and opportunities that position them for even greater prosperity. This includes funding for projects that encourage women to pursue opportunities in the energy sector."

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

"All across the country, our Government is investing in women with community-based projects that help them to improve their economic security. This project by the BC Women in Energy Network Society will empower women to participate in Northern British Columbia's energy sector.  This is good for women, their families and the community."

Susan Truppe
Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project so that more women in Northern British Columbia can achieve economic security. By collaborating with local partners, we will identify promising opportunities to help make the energy sector a new path to prosperity for women in our community."

Jessica McIlroy
Executive Director
BC Women in Energy Network Society

Related Products

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

Additional Links

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

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Photos of Minister Leitch are available.

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]; Ce texte est également disponible en français.; For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.