Minister Leitch promotes economic opportunities for women in Canada's economy

OTTAWA, Nov. 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today continued her cross-country efforts to highlight how critically important women are to Canada's economic success and its future prosperity. The Minister also supported greater advancement of women in Canada's railway sector during the National Railway Day Conference in Ottawa.

Minister Leitch took the opportunity to highlight the Government of Canada's strong record of taking actions that that promote economic and leadership opportunities for Canadian women, from skilled trades to corporate boards. This includes an investment of more than $54 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, over $12 million in funding has been provided for projects that support women in skilled trades and technical professions.

Quick Facts

• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $146 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada, supporting more than 720 community-based projects across Canada.

Quotes

"Our Government is taking actions that support new economic opportunities for Canadian women across the country, and positioning them for greater prosperity. We are proud to promote the recruitment and retention of women in sectors where they remain under-represented because when women succeed, Canada succeeds."

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

Additional Links

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries 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]