Economic security is the foundation of women’s empowerment, and by funding projects that improve women’s long-term economic stability, the government is advancing gender equality in Canada.

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 childcare responsibilities as their reason for working part-time.

To that end, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Centre and the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues, today announced $10 million in funding for projects that address the root causes of economic insecurity for women in communities across Canada, including projects taking place in Alberta.

Minister Monsef was joined by representatives from Elevate Aviation, the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), which are receiving funding under this call for proposals. Elevate Aviation has been awarded $426,410 for a national project that aims to improve women’s economic security through access to careers in the aviation industry in Canada. CIWA is receiving $313,693 for a project to identify economic barriers faced by immigrant women fleeing domestic violence and improve their access to jobs, while APEGA has been awarded $350,000 for a project to increase women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

More than 30 projects from coast to coast to coast will receive funding through this call for proposals, with projects falling under two themes. The first is Building Partnerships to Address Systemic Barriers, which provides funding to address major barriers that limit women’s economic security, including the accessibility of childcare, the gender wage gap and pay inequity. The second theme, Increasing Private Sector Leadership and Investments in Women, encourages organizations to partner with the private sector to find innovative solutions that will help advance women’s economic security. Other projects related to this call for proposals will be announced in the coming months.

Quotes

“When women are without good jobs and stable incomes, we all bear the costs and consequences. Investing in the middle class and those working hard to join it means investing in women’s economic security so they, their families and their communities can prosper. 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 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

“Every Canadian has a right to economic security – it is the foundation from which we pursue our goals, lead fulfilling lives and build healthy communities. Although women continue to be disproportionately affected by economic insecurity, our government recognizes that this needs to change. By funding organizations dedicated to supporting women of all backgrounds and identities, we are taking important steps towards eradicating the barriers women in Alberta face in achieving economic stability.”

Randy Boissonnault 
Member of Parliament—Edmonton-Centre 
Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 Issues

“Through this funding, we will be able help more women achieve economic security through successful careers in aviation. Supporting women as they pursue their dreams in aviation is our mission, and with this funding, we will be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of women in Canada.”

Kendra Kincade 
Founder and Chair, Elevate Aviation

Quick Facts

• RBC Economics estimates that adding more women to the workforce could boost the level of Canada’s GDP by as much as 4 per cent.
• 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.
• Projects are being funded through the call for proposals, Support for Women’s Economic Security, which was 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 30 projects will receive a total of $10 million under this call for proposals. Funded projects address major barriers to women’s economic security including, access to childcare, pay inequity and the 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.

Source: Status of Women Canada

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