Minister Leitch salutes winners of WXN most powerful women top 100 awards for 2014

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today congratulated recipients of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards™ for 2014 at an event hosted by the Women's Executive Network (WXN) in Toronto.

Minister Leitch also took the opportunity to highlight how important women are to Canada's prosperity. The Minister pointed to the Government of Canada's strong record of taking actions to promote economic and leadership opportunities for women in Canada, from skilled trades to corporate boards. This includes an investment of more than $54 million in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity, and over $21 million for projects that encourage women in leadership and decision-making roles.

Quick Facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 outlined the Government of Canada's commitment to increasing mentorship for women looking to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. The federal government is now actively consulting Canadians on how best to increase the number of women entering into and succeeding in business.
• On June 26, 2014, the report of the Government of Canada's Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards was released. It recommends that the public and private sectors in Canada aspire to seeing women attain 30% of all board positions over the next five years. It also outlines a roadmap for making this happen.
• The Government of Canada has provided over $146 million in funding through Status of Women Canada to support more than 720 projects since 2007.

Quote

"The number one priority of our Government is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. That's why I am pleased to congratulate the outstanding women named by WXN as being among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Their success reflects the key role that women leaders play in Canada's economy, while also inspiring young women and girls."

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
• Information about Economic Action Plan 2014

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to 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]