September 3, 2019 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - Women and Gender Equality Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and it recognizes the important role that creating more opportunities for women can play in promoting women's empowerment in all aspects of Canadian life. By investing in projects that improve women's economic security, we are helping to ensure that women, their families and communities can prosper-and this means a stronger economy for all Canadians.
That's why today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services and the Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced a total investment of $611,242 for two projects that will increase women's economic security and prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
St. John's Status of Women Council will receive $271,862 to support survivors of gender-based violence by working with stakeholders to develop employer resources for workplace policies and strategies that support the reintegration of women fleeing domestic violence into the labour market. The work will help influence reforms for domestic violence leave legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Women in Resource Development Corporation will receive $339,380 to help address the environment of construction trade unions to increase women's access to trade and technical employment in natural resources and construction.
These are two of more than 45 projects approved under the Women's Program in two calls for proposals entitled, Support for Women's Economic Security and Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women. These projects will build on ongoing efforts to support women's economic empowerment and advance gender equality for all Canadians.
Quotes
"These projects are so important: they are creating the right conditions for women to thrive in their careers - and their lives. By funding organizations like the St. John's Status of Women Council and the Women in Resource Development Corporation that work to eliminate the barriers holding women back, we are ensuring that all Canadians - regardless of gender - have a real and fair chance at success. Our government knows that when we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
"Supporting the survivors of gender-based violence to secure a place in the workforce and empowering women to succeed in the resource and construction sectors advance gender equality and ensure that all of Newfoundland and Labrador thrives. The funding for these projects will make a real difference in the lives of people across the province."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services
Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl
"The St. John's Status of Women Council is leading an exciting new project that will make a significant contribution to the research and policy gap associated with domestic violence and its effect on the provincial labour market."
Mary Shortall, Chair
St. John's Status of Women Council
"For over twenty years, Women in Resource Development Corporation has helped women find meaningful employment in the natural resources and construction sectors. Our new project announced today will help even more women gain access to these important areas of the economy and we are delighted that the Government of Canada is supporting our efforts."
Carolann Harding, Chair of the Board of Directors
Women in Resource Development Corporation
Quick facts
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McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by taking steps to advance equality for women-such as employing more women in technology and boosting women's participation in the workforce-Canada could add $150 billion to its economy by 2026.
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Women continue to be disproportionately affected by economic insecurity. When comparing median hourly wages of women and men aged 15 years and over working full-time in Canada in 2018, women earned just 88 cents for every dollar earned by men. Women of core working age (25-54 years) are also much more likely to work on a part-time basis, making up 75% of all part-time workers in that age bracket in 2018. Just over one-quarter (27%) of women of core working age working part-time reported childcare responsibilities as their reason for working part-time in 2018.
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Economic security is composed of basic social security, defined by access to basic needs such as health, education and housing.
