New federal investment will help improve women's economic security in Labrador
News release
Projects will help women to participate more fully in the economy
November 14, 2018 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay – Status of Women Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and understands the important role that creating more opportunities for women in all aspects of Canadian life can play in promoting women's empowerment. By investing in projects that improve women's economic security, we are helping to ensure that women, their families and communities can prosper.
Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for two projects that will increase women's economic security in Labrador and northeastern Ontario.
The Mokami Status of Women Council supports women across Labrador who are facing economic and other challenges with the sharing of ideas, resources, skills, experience and knowledge, as well as assisting with housing needs. They will receive $236,880 in funding for their project, "Pathways to economic prosperity for women in transition." Over the next 36 months, they will work to address the institutional barriers and other factors that limit local efforts to advance the economic security and prosperity of women who are fleeing domestic violence in rural and remote regions of Labrador by developing an action plan with wrap-around support services. This will result in a series of recommendations and best practices that can be adapted and used by other community-serving organizations to enhance support to women fleeing domestic violence in similar geographic locations.
The NunatuKavut Community Council Inc. (NCC) represents Inuit of south and central Labrador and provides support related to employment, skills and training. The NCC will receive $465,000 in funding for its project, "Pathways to Economic Security for Indigenous Women in NunatuKavut and Northern Ontario." Over the next 36 months, the NCC and its partners will work to break down the systemic barriers that prevent Indigenous women from securing meaningful work in non-traditional sectors, specifically the mining sector of Labrador. Their project will help bridge the gaps that exist in policy implementation with respect to provincially-mandated women's employment plans, and will adapt and pilot an Inuit and Labrador-specific version of the successful Aboriginal Women in Mining Program, to prepare Indigenous women for greater employment in the sector.
Women continue to be disproportionately affected by economic insecurity. In 2015, women in Canada earned just 87 cents for every dollar earned by men. They are also much more likely to work on a part-time basis, making up 76% of all part-time workers, with 25% of women reporting child care responsibilities as their reason for working part-time.
"Our government knows that when we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone, and that's why 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 Mokami Status of Women Council and the NunatuKavut Community Council Inc. that will target the barriers holding women back, we are ensuring that all Canadians – regardless of gender – have a real and fair chance at success."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
"For far too long Indigenous women have been barred from full participation in our economy, especially in the natural resource industry. Our Government acknowledges that as a matter of both reconciliation and principle, we must do more to support Indigenous women to find and participate in meaningful work. These projects are just one measure we're implementing to address the systemic barriers Indigenous women face in finding employment across Labrador for we know that when women are given the opportunity to fully participate in the workforce, success is afforded to all in society."
Yvonne Jones
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
Member of Parliament for Labrador
"Mokami Status of Women Council is very thankful for the three year funding we received from the Government of Canada. This enables us to continue our support of women in Happy Valley-Goose Bay by helping these women overcome barriers to their economic security. We are excited to engage the community in this new venture and to work with women who have lived experience."
Raelene Vickers, Executive Director
Mokami Status of Women Council
"The NunatuKavut Community Council is proud to be partnering on a project that will support Southern Inuit women in securing meaningful work in Labrador's resource industry. Women are an integral part of the, cultural, social and political fabric of NunatuKavut and this project will equip those participating with the skills and confidence needed for a successful future in or close to their home communities. We are so pleased that the federal government is partnering on this project and taking a proactive role in helping improve the employment opportunities and lives of Indigenous women."
Todd Russell, President
NunatuKavut Community Council Inc.
Quick facts
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.
The Indigenous population is growing at four times the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians and represents an enormous pool of talent. As part of this cohort, Indigenous women play a vital role in our economy and have outstanding potential for growth.
The 2016 Census indicated that there were 860,265 Indigenous women and girls in Canada. These women were more likely than Indigenous men to have a university degree. They were also the majority owners of more than one quarter of all Indigenous SMEs in Canada according to the 2014 Survey on Financing and Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Projects are being funded through the call for proposals, Support for Women's Economic Security, and Addressing the Economic Security and Prosperity of Indigenous Women, both which were announced in October 2017.
Economic security is composed of basic social security, defined by access to basic needs such as health, education and housing.
More than 45 projects will receive a total of approximately $15 million in funding under these calls for proposals, addressing institutional barriers to women's economic security including access to childcare, pay inequity and the gender wage gap.
The Women's Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers.
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation with Inuit, First Nations, and the Métis Nation. The focus is on building a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, one based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
