Harper Government Working To Increase Participation of Women on Corporate Boards

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today met with the federal government's Advisory Council to promote the participation of women on corporate boards.

"Our Government believes that creating more opportunities for women to demonstrate leadership in the boardroom is not only good for women but for Canada and the economy," said Minister Leitch. "The 2013 Speech from the Throne focuses on jobs and opportunities for all Canadians, and the work of the Advisory Council and our efforts to increase the number of women serving on corporate boards across our country will benefit the economy."

While there are many women who are successful business leaders across Canada, they remain under-represented on corporate boards of directors. Increasing the number of women on boards has been shown to result in more effective decisions for Canadian businesses, leading to improved corporate performance. As announced in Economic Action Plan 2012, the Advisory Council is to make recommendations on ways in which Canada can increase the participation of women on corporate boards. The Advisory Council is comprised of women and men representing a wide range of expertise in different sectors of the economy.

"Today, Council members discussed the many issues that can make a real difference for Canadian women at the top levels of corporate life in Canada," said Minister Leitch. "It is important that we identify ideas and strategies to foster engagement and commitment across various sectors of our economy to support more women serving on boards."

The Harper Government continues to take measures that support Canadian women and Canada's economy. In fact, a number of initiatives were outlined in the 2013 Speech from the Throne that will benefit Canadian women. These include: an updated Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy; creation of jobs and opportunities in skilled trades; and, investments in the natural resource and forestry sectors where women continue to be particularly underrepresented.

The new Canada-Europe Trade Agreement is also an historic opportunity for Canada to generate significant benefits, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians, including women.

Image with caption: " In this Picture: The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, meets with members from the Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards. (CNW Group/Status of Women Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131025_C7296_PHOTO_EN_32587.jpg

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: 

Barbara Mottram
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]

For all other inquiries, contact: 

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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