Government of Canada supports women in the economy

Parliamentary Secretary Truppe encourages women entrepreneurs in London, Ontario

LONDON, ON, July 16, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, today highlighted the key role that women play in Canada's economic growth and prosperity. During a roundtable hosted by Brescia University College, BizInc and Startup Canada, Ms. Truppe also outlined Government of Canada actions that are creating new opportunities for Canadian women as entrepreneurs and throughout the economy, from skilled trades to corporate boards.

Quick Facts

• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $54 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. This includes funding of over $12 million for projects that support women in non-traditional occupations, and more than $9 million in support of women entrepreneurs.
  
  
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 720 projects across Canada.
  
  
• According to the BMO Financial Group, women-owned businesses currently employ over 1.5 million Canadians. In 2011, women held majority ownership of 16% of small and medium-sized Canadian businesses.
  
  
• On June 26, 2014, Minister Leitch launched the report of the Government of Canada's Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards entitled Good for Business: A Plan to Promote More Women on Canadian Board. It outlines a roadmap for improving the representation of women on public and private boards, which will also strengthen the Canadian economy.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes that women are key to Canada's economic success. That's why we are creating jobs and opportunities that position women in Canada for even greater prosperity. This is good for women, their families, and our country." The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Our Government is proud to be investing in the economic security and prosperity of Canadian women through community-based projects from coast to coast to coast. In fields as diverse as promoting women entrepreneurs and encouraging women in non-traditional occupations, these projects are making a tremendous difference." Susan Truppe Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women

Additional Links

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Andrew McGrath
Press Secretary
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]

For all other inquiries:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.