Minister Leitch speaks to Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce in Coquitlam, British Columbia, about strong labour relations

COQUITLAM, BC, Feb. 11, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, at a meeting of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce in Coquitlam, British Columbia, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, highlighted the importance of strong labour relations and the inclusion of women on corporate boards, emphasizing the critical role they play in Canada's continued economic success.

She also noted that more women on corporate boards makes sense for our workplaces because it contributes to business success and strengthens Canadian competitiveness. The Minister also spoke about the importance of mentorship and how the Government supports the economic advancement of women through a wide variety of initiatives, including community-based projects and advisory councils on overcoming the challenges faced by women in business.

The Minister noted that the Government of Canada supports and fosters collaborative labour relations through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which provides dispute prevention and dispute resolution assistance to trade unions and employers under the Canada Labour Code.  

The 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.

Quick Facts

• The June 2014 report by the Government of Canada's Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards recommends that the public and private sectors in Canada aspire to see women attain 30 percent of all board positions over the next five years. The report provides a roadmap to make this happen.
• Over the last five years, 94 percent of collective agreements within the federal jurisdiction were settled without a work stoppage. This is thanks, in part, to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $153 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 750 community-based projects across Canada. This includes more than $60 million invested through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.

Quote

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. We are pleased to work with our stakeholders to foster strong labour relations and create economic opportunities for women. The Harper Government will continue to do our part to ensure that our labour force is resilient, diverse, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow."

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

Associated Links

Labour Program
Status of Women Canada

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

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, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter