Minister Leitch Highlights Government of Canada Actions to Support Success of Women in Business

OTTAWA, Oct. 31, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President of Carleton University, today launched the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada's (AUCC's) fourth annual Open Doors, Open Knowledge initiative.

The event kicks off a series of activities in Canadian universities in support of collaboration with small and medium-sized businesses. This year's theme is "Big Ideas for Better Business." Throughout early November, universities across the country will showcase the positive impacts of university-private sector partnerships.

In her keynote address at Carleton University, Minister Leitch discussed the need to support women's entrepreneurship and active participation in all sectors of the economy. She also stressed the need to protect girls' and women's access to education, both here at home and throughout the world.

Quick Facts                    

• The Government of Canada has provided over $146 million in funding through Status of Women Canada to support more than 720 projects since 2007. This includes more than $54 million invested in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• Today is the final day of Women's History Month in Canada. The theme for 2014 is Canadian Business Women - A Growing Economic Force. From entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, women continue to play a pivotal role in building Canada's economic success.
• The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), "the voice of Canadian universities," represents 97 public and private not-for-profit universities and university degree-level colleges. AUCC, whose mission is to foster the interests of higher education and university research, works in partnership with governments, business and industry, and local communities.

Quote

"Girls and women's rates of participation in the economy have never been higher. Armed with degrees from innovative, entrepreneurial universities like Carleton, Canadian women and girls are turning old ideas and worn-out stereotypes on their heads as they demonstrate their capacity for success."

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

Related Products

• Call for Proposals: Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for Success

Additional Links

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For medi inquieries 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]