Presents award at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards Gala
TORONTO, Nov 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today congratulated the entrepreneurs recognized at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards Gala in Toronto. This year, Linda Hasenfratz, Chief Executive Officer of Linamar Corporation, was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Ontario.
Minister Leitch attended the Gala to present the awards for EY's Entrepreneurial Winning Women program, an executive leadership program aimed at advancing women entrepreneurs. This year's Winning Women recipients are Kathy Cheng of Redwood Classics Apparel, Tonia Jahshan of Steeped Tea Incorporated and Kristen Wood of The Ten Spot Incorporated.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards program recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement through regional, national and global awards. This year, the Canadian awards recognize a number of women entrepreneurs in regions across the country.
The Government of Canada recognizes the important contribution women entrepreneurs make to the Canadian economy and is supporting business women through a number of innovative measures. For example, the Government of Canada, through Status of Women Canada, supports community-based projects across the country that focus on helping women entrepreneurs succeed. In fact, last spring, Status of Women Canada issued a call for proposals entitled Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for Success, which solicited projects focused specifically on expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
In addition, the Government has created an Expert Panel on Championing and Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs, which is advising the Minister on best practices for mentorship and championing to support women entrepreneurs to expand their business and access international markets; as well as the financial tools required for women entrepreneurs to succeed.
The Government has also established an Advisory Council on Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, which will provide a forum for the exchange of views, experiences, best practices and solutions on issues related to helping women entrepreneurs succeed in starting and growing their businesses. The Advisory Council will be in place for two years.
Quick Facts
- RBC Economics reports that, in 2011, majority-owned women's businesses contributed an estimated $148 billion to the Canadian economy.
- As of 2011, 15.6% of small and medium sized businesses in Canada were majority-owned by women.
- Women-owned businesses currently employ over 1.5 million Canadians, according to the BMO Financial Group.
- Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided over $54 million for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity. Of this amount, more than $9 million has gone to projects that support women in entrepreneurship.
Quotes
"Women are critical to creating a strong economy for Canadians. All across the country, women entrepreneurs are creating jobs and building prosperity in their communities. Our Government is helping expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs through the work of the Expert Panel, as well as through our ongoing initiatives, including community-based projects that enhance opportunities for women business owners."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Related Products
- Minister Leitch announces expert panel on championing and mentorship for women entrepreneurs
- Minister Leitch announces advisory council on women entrepreneurs and business leaders
Additional Links
- Information about the call for proposals Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for Success
- Information on Status of Women Canada is available at www.women.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For further information: 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, [email protected]; 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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