Harper Government Supports Project Aimed at Advancing Women in the Canadian Digital Economy
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On October 7, the Government of Canada announced funding SCWIST for a new project to help women succeed in Canada’s technology Sector. Read the full press release here or read below photo.
VANCOUVER, BC– Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, and Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, announced funding for the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology in support of a new project to help women succeed in Canada’s technology sector.
“Our government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians,” said Minister Leitch. “I am pleased to announce our support for this project, which will equip women with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.”
“Helping women to succeed in British Columbia and across the country is an important priority for the Government of Canada,” said MP Weston. “Canadian women have enormous potential to offer the technology field. Their contributions to this sector will strengthen the economy and benefit us all.”
“There are many opportunities for women to contribute to our economic prosperity and growth here in British Columbia,” said MP Young. “This project will open doors for women who want to work in the technology sector, and it will provide valuable training and mentorship to help them succeed.”
The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology is receiving $285,374 for a 36-month project that will assist women in the lower mainland of British Columbia to pursue careers in the technology sector. The organization will reach out to women with some background in technology, at different points in their education and career, and match them with three local technology companies–Webnames.ca, NetApp and Rhodium Business Services Ltd. They will be provided with mentorship opportunities, leadership training and professional development.
“Addressing the gender gap in the technology field is an important challenge and our organization is committed to encouraging more women to pursue these types of careers,” said Rosine Hage Moussa, President of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology. “This funding will allow us to help talented women in British Columbia, not only to join the technology field, but to develop the skills they need to advance.”
This project is being announced during Women’s History Month and is part of the Government of Canada’s Women in Technology Projects initiative, which aims to provide women with an opportunity to play a greater role in the Canadian Digital Economy, where they remain under-represented.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, federal support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada. Since 2007, more than $46 million has been approved through the Women’s Program for projects that promote women’s economic security and prosperity.