TORONTO – The federal government is funding a new project designed to increase economic opportunities for women in communications and technology careers.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women Dr. K. Kellie Leitch made the announcement earlier this week at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto. The Information and Communications Technology Council of Canada (ICTC) will receive $460,014 for a project to increase retention and advancement opportunities for women in information and communication technology careers within four fields: construction, manufacturing, natural resources, and skilled trades.
A national advisory committee with champions representing four sectors will be developed, along with virtual working groups (including CEOs, senior managers, men and women) to review human resource policies and procedures of companies in each sector. The organization will also facilitate ongoing knowledge sharing by identifying and adapting best practices and existing tools from leading Canadian organizations into a virtual "Women in Information and Communications Technology Information Centre".
The project was selected through the Government’s call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.
"Our Government is demonstrating strong leadership through a balanced budget, and a low-tax plan for jobs, growth and security”, Minister Leitch said in a statement. “The actions we have taken to support the participation of women in Canada's digital economy highlight what we know – that when women succeed, Canada succeeds."
