Government of Canada Supports Project to Increase Employment Opportunities for Women in Nova Scotia

August 12, 2009

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HALIFAX - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support to the Women's Economic Equality (WEE) Society for a project to increase women's employment opportunities in the trades and technology sectors of Nova Scotia. Minister of State Guergis also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of WEE Society volunteers by providing certificates of appreciation.

The project, entitled Women Unlimited: Building Economic Prosperity for Women, will provide training for 300 Nova Scotian women, who will design and implement action plans to identify and pursue employment opportunities in the trades and technology sectors. Through awareness-raising sessions, 100 employers in these sectors will be encouraged to commit themselves to recruiting and retaining female employees, and to implement strategies accordingly.

"Nova Scotia must tap the full potential of all its citizens to meet the challenges of the future," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and MP for Central Nova. "Helping empower women to participate fully in society benefits them and ultimately, everyone in Nova Scotia. This project creates opportunities for women to take full advantage of the economic potential in the region."

"Women here will now be better equipped to gain meaningful employment in non-traditional occupations and begin the positive path to economic security and prosperity," said Minister of State Guergis. "Our Government understands the importance of having women participate in all aspects of Canada's economy - including non-traditional occupations.  By supporting this project, our Government is helping to build a stronger economy and a better country."

 "The Women Unlimited project will encourage diverse women to explore careers in trades and technology and raise awareness among Nova Scotia employers. As a result, this project will increase the number of women employed in non-traditional occupations in this province," said Ms. Doreen Parsons, Manager of the Women's Economic Equality (WEE) Society. "Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, more women will gain access to well-paying jobs in our region."

To carry out this project, the Women's Economic Equality (WEE) Society will receive $800,140 over 36 months through the Women's Partnership Fund of Status of Women Canada. This Fund supports collaborative projects that leverage matching funds from partners, including other levels of government.

Other partners in the Women Unlimited: Building Economic Prosperity for Women project include Service Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development, and the Nova Scotia Community College Women Unlimited Resource Centers.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Sherine Mansour
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

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