Harper Government supports economic opportunities for women

Minister Leitch highlights skilled trades and technical professions at roundtable

March 2, 2015 – Calgary, AB – Status of Women Canada

Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, highlighted the measures put in place by the Government of Canada to encourage women to enter into the skilled trades.

Minister Leitch announced to the roundtable that Status of Women Canada’s next Call for Proposals will focus on advancing women in these areas of Canada’s economy. The Minister also emphasized the need for more women to enter into fields relating to oil, gas, construction, and energy production. In 2012, women represented only 4% of those working in construction trades, and 20% of those working in primary industries such as forestry, mining, oil and gas.

Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 750 projects across Canada.

Quick Facts

• Women now represent nearly half the Canadian workforce, yet continue to be under-represented in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In 2009, women represented just 22.3% of Canadians with occupations in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 outlined the Government’s commitment to increasing mentorship for women looking to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. The Government is now actively consulting Canadians on how best to increase the number of women entering into and succeeding in business.
• On January 8, 2015, the Prime Minister announced in Delta, British Columbia, that the Canada Apprentice Loan initiative is now accepting applications. This initiative helps those already apprenticing to complete their training, and encourages more Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades. Economic Action Plan 2014 proposed the creation of the Canada Apprentice Loan by expanding the Canada Student Loans Program to provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with access to over $100 million in interest-free loans each year.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the important role women play in our economy and is committed to creating new economic opportunities for them to prosper in every sector, including the skilled professional trades. This is good for women, good for industry and good for the Canadian economy.”

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Aditional Links

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

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: 819-953-5646

For all other inquiries:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: 819-420-6810
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