Government of Canada Supports Economic Opportunities for Aboriginal Women in Greater Vancouver

April 23, 2014

VANCOUVER, April 23, 2014  – On behalf of the Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification, and Member of Parliament for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, today announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will advance women in the shipbuilding sector.

The First Nations Employment Society is receiving funding through Status of Women Canada for a three-year project to increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal women in the marine/shipbuilding industry in the Greater Vancouver area. The organization will identify barriers to the employment of First Nations women in the sector, and will develop an action plan aimed specifically at increasing their participation and advancement within it. Some of the strategies to be explored include diversity training for managers and employees, a review of current employment policies and human resources procedures, and the introduction of flexible work arrangements.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada’s recent call for proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women.

Quick Facts

• The First Nations Employment Society is receiving $250,000 for a three-year project to increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal women in the marine/shipbuilding industry in the Greater Vancouver area.
• The Call for Proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women, helps communities create new economic opportunities for women in three thematic areas:Advancing women in non-traditional occupations; increasing economic options for women; and improving prosperity for immigrant women.
• Since 2007, the Harper Government has delivered more than $54 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 $12 million has gone to projects that support women in non-traditional occupations.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada, through Status of Women Canada, has provided more than $20 million for projects that help Aboriginal women and girls build economic security, gain leadership skills, and address issues of violence they face.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 720 projects across Canada.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada continues to invest in new economic opportunities for women in communities across the country. The project we are announcing today also demonstrates how we are working to advance women, including Aboriginal women, in non-traditional occupations. ”
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

“Our Government is pleased to be working with the First Nations Employment Society to open new doors of opportunity for Aboriginal women here in Greater Vancouver. The marine and shipbuilding industry is critical to this region, and we hope this project will help many women in our Aboriginal communities achieve economic success.”
Cathy McLeod
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification

“We are happy to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal women in the marine/shipbuilding industry in the Greater Vancouver area. This funding will allow us to work with the industry to address barriers that prevent Aboriginal women from accessing and pursuing opportunities in this sector.”
Norma Guerin
Executive Director, First Nations Employment Society

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

For further information: 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, 819-953-5646, andrew.mcgrath@labour-travail.gc.ca; 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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