OTTAWA,
ON, July 16, 2024 /CNW/ - Women in all sectors
of the economy often face gender-based biases, discrimination, and
sexual harassment, which can make it more difficult for many to
fulfill their potential and drive economic growth. With over
$30 million invested in projects
working to advance women's participation in non-traditional
professions since 2015, the Government of Canada is working hard to remove these
barriers, benefitting women and all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender
Equality and Youth, announced $770,000 over two and a half years to the Mining
Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR).
Representation of women in the Canadian mining workforce is
three times lower than the average across all industries, and
through the Changing Culture: Advancing Women's Participation
and Prosperity in Mining project, MiHR is working to change
that. This funding will go towards MiHR's efforts to address
systemic barriers by working with mining companies to enhance
companies' policies and practices to create more inclusive
workplace cultures that better respond to the needs of
women. This work will promote sector-wide awareness of gender
equality, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence issues.
Through projects like this, Women and Gender Equality Canada is
ensuring women can unlock their full potential. When employers
in non-traditional fields offer inclusive environments where women
feel safe and supported, it leads to better working conditions,
more economic security, and prosperity for everyone.
Quotes
"When we empower women in non-traditional fields, we are
creating a stronger and more inclusive workforce in Canada, and unlocking diverse talents that
will drive innovation and economic growth. The Government of
Canada is proud to support MiHR's
efforts to drive positive change and works towards a fairer and
more sustainable industry."
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality
and Youth
"Supporting women in the mining industry in our community
fosters a more inclusive work environment. It broadens the talent
pool and brings diverse perspectives, ultimately contributing to
sustainable growth and development, right here in Kanata,
Ontario."
The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and
Social Development, and Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton
"MiHR appreciates the support from Women and Gender Equality
Canada in our efforts to help build a safe, skilled and diverse
Canadian mining workforce. Mining faces a tight labour market at a
time when critical minerals and metals are increasingly needed to
transition Canada to a clean
economy. Our Changing Culture project will develop and implement
gender inclusion tools and training to enable the systemic change
necessary to increase the sector's supply of skilled talent through
women's increased participation."
Ryan Montpellier, Executive
Director, The Mining Industry Human Resources Council
Quick facts
- Representation of women in the Canadian mining workforce
remains low, approximately 16%, compared to 48% across all
industries.
(MiHR, Canadian Mining Workplace Profile 2024, pg. 19).
- A 2023 MiHR poll of Canadian youth in Canada showed that young women have a poor
perception of the sector, ranking mining last among eight sectors
in terms of safe work, 'people like them having a positive
experience in the sector', and opportunities to advance
(MiHR, Perceptions and Interest in A Mining Sector
Career, pg. 13).
- Since November 2015, Women and
Gender Equality Canada has invested $31
million in 66 projects to advance women's participation in
non-traditional professions in which they are
underrepresented.
- Budget 2023 allocated $160
million over three years, starting in 2023-24, for Women and
Gender Equality Canada's Women's Program to provide funding to
organizations in Canada that serve
women.
Associated links
- The Mining Industry Human Resources Council
- Women and Gender Equality Canada, Women's Program
- Open calls for proposals: About these calls for proposals
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SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada