Remarks at the Economic Club of Canada
OTTAWA, March 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, addressed the Economic Club of Canada on the vital contribution that women make every day to Canada's transportation industry and to our economic success, both domestically and globally.
She highlighted the importance of ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to help create prosperity, whether as an employee, a professional, a business leader or as an entrepreneur.
Minister Raitt focussed on the changing role of women working in transportation-related fields and shared her personal experience as Minister of Transport and previously, harbourmaster and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.
She spoke about the evolving needs of the transportation sector and how it is changing to reflect the growing demand for workers whose value is based more on training and skills rather than gender or strength. This creates an opportunity for women to demonstrate their skills, intelligence and ability and be front and centre, at every level of the industry.
Minister Raitt also used the opportunity to discuss the vital role Canada's transportation sector plays in our growing economy as the demand to get Canadian natural resources to port increases.
Quick Facts
- In July, 2014, Transport Canada hosted the first Roundtable on Women in Transportation in Halifax, which brought together women leaders in transportation from both the public and private sectors.
- Transport Canada is also participating in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's "Women in Transportation" Task Force to advance women's roles in the transportation sector.
- On March 8, 2015, Canada celebrated International Women's Day. This year's theme: "Strong Women. Strong World. Improving Economic Opportunities for All" provided an opportunity to take stock of progress towards gender equality and to honour the contributions women have made and are making – both in Canada and around the world.
Quote
"Women play an integral role in building and maintaining a sustainable, skilled workforce that will support Canadians and Canada's economic prosperity. Our government is committed to creating more opportunities for women to contribute to this success, now and in the future."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Zach Segal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055
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