Harper Government helps women advance in the mining industry

OTTAWA, June 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada support for a new project to help women advance within the Canadian mining industry.

The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is receiving $495,102 for their three-year project which will see a Gender Champions Task Force, comprised of mining executives, identify and address the barriers faced by female employees in their companies. MiHR will develop a number of tools and resources – such as gender-based training, inclusion policies and equitable hiring procedures – which will be implemented and tested in these companies. The resulting tools and best practices will be shared with industry stakeholders.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada's call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

Quick Facts

• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided over $162 million through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects. Federal funding of community-based projects through Status of Women Canada has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 780 projects across Canada.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $68 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, more than $18 million has gone to projects that support women in skilled professional trades and technical professions.
• Economic Action Plan 2015 announced Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs to help connect women with the tools they need to succeed in business. This Action Plan includes a series of initiatives including mentorship, networking opportunities, and increased access to financing and international markets.
• Economic Action Plan 2015 has proposed to modernize Canada's corporate governance framework. These changes include proposed amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Act to promote gender diversity among public companies using the "comply or explain" model of disclosure.

Quotes

"Our Government's number one priority is to create jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.  One of the ways we do this is by supporting community-based projects that support economic security and prosperity for women. We know that when women succeed, Canada succeeds."

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

"The Canadian mining industry faces a number of human resources challenges both now and in the years to come. To meet these challenges, we need to attract and retain the right talent, including women. This new funding from the Government of Canada will allow us to determine what prevents women from advancing in mining, and will help us develop the tools the industry needs to address those obstacles."

Ryan Montpellier
Executive Director
Mining Industry Human Resources Council

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

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: [phone], [email protected]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]