Harper Government supports economic opportunities for women in the transportation sector

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Mar 05, 2015, 09:30 ET

TORONTO, March 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for two projects to promote opportunities for women and other under-represented groups in the Canadian transportation industry. The Minister made the announcement at the Women with Drive Leadership Summit, hosted by Trucking Human Resources (HR) Canada.

Trucking HR Canada is receiving a total of $421,720 in Government of Canada funding for two projects. The first of these is being funded through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. HR Trucking Canada is receiving $296 720 for a three-year project that will engage women and representatives from all levels of the trucking industry to create a sustainable mentorship model for women. Together, they will identify barriers and opportunities for women entering into and advancing within the industry, as they develop and pilot a mentorship model with employers in targeted communities in British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals entitled Economic Prosperity: Positioning Women for Success.

Trucking HR Canadais also receiving $125,000 for a project to improve the workplace participation of groups that are under-represented in the transportation sector. This funding will allow the organization to develop a business case for workplace diversity, productivity and efficiency. A seminar and webinar will also be developed to support employers in implementing workplace diversity programs. This project is being funded through the Labour Program's Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program.

Quick Facts

Women have made gains in several sectors and professions where they have been underrepresented yet they continue to have low representation in the skilled trades, technology and science-based professions.
Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided over $153 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 750 projects across Canada.
Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $60 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 $15 million has gone to projects that support women in skilled professional trades and technical professions.

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, our entire country prospers."

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

"Women have an important role to play in the future of the trucking industry and our organization is committed to supporting their success. This Government of Canada support will allow us to make investments in diversity and career development that will benefit both women and the trucking industry for years to come."

Angela Splinter, CEO
Trucking Human Resources Canada

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Photos of Minister Leitch are available.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada