From March 2 to 8, 2014, International Women's Week Highlights Role of Women Entrepreneurs
TORONTO, March 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, took the opportunity to promote International Women's week in Toronto last night at the Mary Kay Career Conference 2014. From March 2 to March 8, Canada is celebrating the important contributions women entrepreneurs make to our country's economic success.
Canadians are invited to join the Government of Canada in marking International Women's Week and International Women's Day by organizing, promoting and participating in events across the country. This year's theme is Strong Women, Strong Canada, Canadian Women - Creating Jobs One Business at a Time.
Quick Facts
- According to the Direct Sellers Association, the vast majority of independent sales contractors are women (84%) who are attracted by the opportunity to work from home, and have more control over their lives.
- According to BMO Financial Group, women-owned businesses employ over 1.5 million Canadians.
- RBC Economics reports that as of 2011 the contribution of majority-owned women's businesses was an estimated $148 billion.
- Since 2007, the Harper Government has delivered more than $53 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects that specifically focus on improving women's economic security and prosperity, including more than $9 million for projects which address women's entrepreneurship.
- Canada began commemorating International Women's Day on March 8 following a 1977 United Nations resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace.
Quote
"Women entrepreneurs are critical to the growth and competitiveness of the Canadian economy. We all benefit when women's businesses succeed, creating jobs and prosperity. That's why this year's International Women's Week focuses on the valuable contributions of women entrepreneurs to the Canadian economy."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
"Mary Kay as an organization, in all of our 37 markets, is all about enriching the lives of women. I'm extremely pleased and honoured to have had The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch attend our Career Conference to witness the camaraderie of our Mary Kay sisterhood, as well as the impact this group of women have on the lives of others. Working with Dr. K. Kellie Leitch in her role as the Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and witnessing her passion for women and female entrepreneurship, I have no doubt that positive changes will be made to benefit women across the country."
Ray Patrick
President and General Manager of Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.
Additional Links
- Information about International Women's Week and International Women's Day at iwd.gc.ca
- Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
Barbara Mottram
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
Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.
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