Balancing the Roles of Leadership
News Release
Island organization has long history of supporting Women in Business
May 17, 2017 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
For over 25 years, a group based in Charlottetown has worked with individuals and member organizations to improve career opportunities for women in Prince Edward Island. Through workshops, mentoring programs, and a host of other initiatives, the Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) serves as an education and advocacy resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals. The Government of Canada understands that support for diversity and fair representation in the workforce is a vital path to sustainable economic development.
Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, together with the Honourable Paula Biggar, PEI Minister for the Status of Women, today announced project support for PEIBWA.
The Government of Canada is contributing a total of $155,654 (non-repayable) to assist with more efficient and accessible delivery of ongoing programming for members of PEIBWA, including skills development, networking and community outreach activities, and other business services. ACOA is providing $152,491 through its Business Development Program (BDP). A further $3,163 in funding from Status of Women Canada will support administrative costs. The organization was also awarded a grant of $14,000 from the Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Inter-ministerial Women's Secretariat, to expand its “Telling Our Stories” initiative.
Quotes
“I am proud to see the steps that the Government of Canada has taken to support balanced gender representation across all levels of public and private sectors. Groups like PEIBWA have long been leaders in these efforts. In Charlottetown and communities across Prince Edward Island, we see an invigorated and growing business community thanks to the vision of Island women entrepreneurs and business professionals.”
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“The PEI Business Women’s Association is doing great work to encourage women in business and to foster our next generation of female entrepreneurs. The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support PEIBWA to advance women's leadership in PEI.”
Honourable Paula Biggar, PEI Minister for the Status of Women
“The funding support PEIBWA receives from ACOA empowers PEIBWA to support women in business in PEI, whether they are starting or growing a business, or are professionals in the non-profit, public, or private sectors. Women in PEI are a powerful and dynamic economic force, and we are thrilled to provide networking, business development, resources and tools to support women across the entire province. We are also grateful for the project-based funding from the Province and Status of Women Canada that has allowed PEIBWA to offer a mentoring program and expand our 'Telling Our Stories' campaign in 2016-17.”
Hannah Bell, Executive Director, PEI Business Women’s Association
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Ron Ryder
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
And Status of Women
902-368-5112
Hannah Bell
Executive Director
PEI Business Women’s Association
902-892-6040