Harper Government Supports Project Aimed at Advancing Women in the Canadian Digital Economy

KITCHENER, ON, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW/ -  Today, the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women and Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, announced support through the Women in Technology Projects initiative to Communitech Corporation for a project to provide more women with the skills to participate in Canada's current and emerging technology sectors.

"The number one priority of our Government is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Leitch. "That is why the federal government is creating greater economic opportunities for women in many sectors, including the digital technologies."

"Our Government is focused on helping more women succeed in Kitchener and across Canada, and dedicated to Canada's economic growth," said Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre. "The more we break down barriers and inspire young women and girls to pursue a wide variety of career options, the stronger Canada will be."

Communitech Corporation is receiving $300,000 in Government of Canada funding for a 36-month project to increase recruitment, retention and advancement of women in technology sector companies in the Waterloo region. Communitech and partner companies will work to build networks that lead to greater career advancement for women, and offer one-on-one mentoring opportunities and workshops in areas such as negotiation and proactive career management. Communitech will also work with partner companies to reduce barriers women face when seeking leadership roles within the industry.

"We are proud to be partnering with the Government of Canada on this new project," said Karen Gallant, Senior Director of Talent Works at Communitech. "The technology sector holds great promise for Canada, and women have a key role to play at the forefront of our digital economy."

This project is part of the Women in Technology Projects initiative which aims to provide more women an opportunity to play a greater role in the Canadian Digital Economy, where they remain under-represented. Through these projects, organizations will work in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). ICTC will also develop an evaluation framework for the funded projects, and share key evaluation findings with other stakeholders.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, federal support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada. Since 2007, more than $46 million has been approved through the Women's Program for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 

Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected] 

For all other inquiries, contact:

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