Tracking success - Government of Canada supports economic security for women in Cape Breton

HALIFAX, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today shared the benefits and results arising from Government of Canada support for projects that target women and girls - in this case, a project that addresses economic security through participation in the trades in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects like this, which produce concrete results for women and girls, their families and their communities," said Minister Ambrose. "We are giving a hand up to low-income women in Cape Breton by providing them with training and employment opportunities in the trades and technology fields."

In January 2010, the Hypatia Association received $431,085 in Government of Canada funding for its project Tools for the Trade: Promoting Economic Security for Women in Cape Breton. This groundbreaking 36-month project is providing low-income women with training and employment opportunities in the trades and technology fields. The project will be completed by January 2013.

"We are delighted to have this invaluable support from the Government of Canada," said Ms. Susan Church, Chair of the Board of Directors, Hypatia Association. "This project is achieving amazing results for low-income women in Cape Breton, an area with a long and proud history of participation in the trades."

Since the project's launch, Hypatia Association has extended its network of partners and promoted to employers the advantages of engaging and retaining women in the trades and technology sector. With the Nova Scotia Community College, the organization has helped women join training programs and arrange work-term placements. Hypatia is carrying out a series of workshops and focus groups and has laid the groundwork for a trades and technology mentoring network. Women's organizations, employers, educational institutions and governments are engaged in developing and implementing a gender diversity strategy that will create inclusive and respectful learning and work environments for Cape Breton women.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.

For media inquiries only:            

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
     Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact: 

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General
Communications and
     Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.women.gc.ca.