CAWIC Calls on Construction Industry to Promote Women's Advancement

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) launched its Women's Advancement Project in St. John's, Newfoundland today.  CAWIC is calling on industry employers, unions and educational partners to collaborate with CAWIC to address the shortage of skilled trades in Canada by promoting the entry and advancement of women into leadership roles within the construction industry.

Earlier this year, CAWIC was awarded a grant from the Government of Canada for $249,900 through Status of Women Canada. The grant will fund a three-year project to conduct research and develop, with collaboration from industry employers and female participants, an action plan to open doors for women's entry, retention and advancement into leadership roles within the construction industry.

CAWIC is actively seeking employer partners who share its vision to promote change and break down barriers for women in the industry, to create an action plan that makes economic sense, is realistic and attainable. Industry employers with operations in Alberta, Ontario and Newfoundland/Labrador have the opportunity to get directly involved in this important initiative.

"This is an important step for the construction industry.  Working collaboratively, we will advance women's roles in the industry," said CAWIC Director, Tammy Evans. "We are proud to work with the Government of Canada to address Canada's skilled trades' shortage and to attract more women to the construction industry."

"Our Government is pleased to continue our support of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction. We are committed to ensuring that women are able to excel in all sectors of the economy – from the shop floor to the corporate boardroom to the jobsite. It's good for women, it's good for the economy, and it's good for Canada. When Canadian women succeed, the whole country prospers." The Honorable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women.

"The Office to Advance Women Apprentices is pleased to support the CAWIC's Women's Advancement Project as they work to build an action plan to increase hiring, retention and advancement of women within the Canadian construction industry.  Women across the country are embarking on careers in the construction trades and this program will certainly help create awareness and build the needs of the industry.  The Office to Advance Women Apprentices will contribute to this project by sharing local successes, best practices, and challenges encountered within our province of Newfoundland & Labrador.  Women are moving forward in trades and leadership positions within this province and are having a positive effect on the industry." Karen Walsh, Executive Director, Office to Advance Women Apprentices.

"Because of the work of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction and Office to Advance Women Apprentices, significant structural changes are taking place in the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce. The expanding employment of women in construction trades is enriching our workforce and easing the shortage of skilled labour. DF Barnes, as one of the oldest Newfoundland and Labrador businesses in this industry, is pleased to play a leading role in the employment of women. Our experience to date with this initiative has been very beneficial for our company and we look forward to an ever increasing role for women in our shops and field construction sites." Jason Fudge, VP – Finance & CFO, DF Barnes.

About CAWIC
CAWIC is a volunteer led not for profit national association supporting the entry, retention and advancement of women within the Canadian construction industry through our core values of leadership, membership, mentorship and partnership. For further information on CAWIC and its activities, please visit our website - www.cawic.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Association of Women in Construction

Tammy Evans, Chair, Women's Advancement Project, CAWIC, 416.759.1991, [email protected]