Minister Leitch addresses Canadian university alumni and wraps up successful visit to Los Angeles

GATINEAU, QC, May 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Yesterday, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, joined by James Villeneuve, Consul-General of Canada in Los Angeles, recognized the successes of Canadian university graduates and their contributions to industries and economies around the world during an address at the Canadian University Alumni Evening in Los Angeles, California, The event marked the end of Minister Leitch's successful visit to the city.

In her remarks, Minister Leitch also noted the cooperative efforts between Canada and the United States to ensure high labour standards, highlighting the vital role a healthy, highly trained and creative workforce plays in creating a productive and strong economy. She commented on the importance of promoting employment equity for groups that have been under-represented in the workforce, such as women and newcomers.

The Alumni Evening was one of several meetings and events Minister Leitch attended during her three-day visit to the city.

Earlier, she met with New Economics for Women, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the economic security of women, particularly immigrant women, in low-wealth communities. She toured the harbour of the Port of Los Angeles, while meetingwith Port officials. She also attended the 88th Annual World Trade Week Kick-off Breakfast.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian University Alumni Evening is hosted by Canadians Abroad, a Canadian ex-patriate organization, and is held to foster networking among alumni of Canadian universities living in the Los Angeles area.
• Other special guests at the Canadian University Alumni Evening included Rex Grignon, head of character animation at Dreamworks; Hart Hanson, writer and producer of the television show Bones; Phil Iscove, writer and creator of the television show Sleepy Hollow; and Rachelle Lefevre, star of the television show Under the Dome.
• The Government of Canada's Labour Program protects the rights and well-being of both workers and employers by promoting safe, healthy, cooperative and productive workplaces. Through legislation, programs and services, it fosters good working conditions, constructive labour-management relations and discrimination-free workplaces.

Quote

"Our government is proud of Canadian university alumni who are contributing to vital industries and economies around the world. Graduates are using their Canadian education to benefit our global society through their chosen fields. Their successes enhance Canada's reputation as an educator of choice." – The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Andrew McGrath, Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter