Minister Morneau Brings Budget 2018 Call to Action on Gender Equality to Toronto
News release
March 1, 2018 – Toronto, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
The Government of Canada is building on its successful long-term plan that focuses on people and the things that matter most to them, leading to a stronger economy and more opportunities for the middle class and those working hard to join it. With a strong and growing economy in place, now is the right time to make progress that truly reflects the diversity of our country, where all Canadians can contribute to, and share in, Canada's prosperity.
Canada's strong fiscal fundamentals—anchored by a low and consistently declining debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio—mean that the Government has the confidence to make the investments that will strengthen and grow the middle class, and lay a more solid foundation for our children's future.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau today spoke to the Canadian Club in Toronto at a Facebook Live event on how Budget 2018 advances the Government's plan for middle class progress with new investments to promote gender equality and create new opportunities for Canadians.
Through Budget 2018, the federal government is leading by example in promoting gender equality by proposing:
- A legislated "equal-pay-for-equal-work" regime in federally regulated sectors to the benefit of approximately 1.2 million employees.
- To provide Canadians with more information on the pay practices of employers in the federally regulated sector, helping to shine a light on employers who lead in equitable pay practices, while holding employers accountable for wage gaps.
- To support the advancement of women in senior positions by publicly recognizing corporations that are committed to promoting women to senior management and board positions.
- A new Gender Results Framework to support equal opportunity for all Canadians, backed by new investments to achieve equality in the workforce and at home.
A new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy to encourage greater participation by women in the economy, and help more women-owned companies grow into world-class businesses.
Quotes
"Providing Canadians with the opportunity to realize their full potential isn't just the right thing to do. It's the smart thing to do for our economy. Simply put, equality between Canadian women and men will lead to greater prosperity and a better quality of life—not just for women and their families, but for all Canadians. And with equality of opportunity as a guiding principle, Budget 2018 proposes a comprehensive range of measures to ensure every Canadian has an equal and fair chance at success."
- Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
Quick facts
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Budget 2018 supports Toronto by proposing:
- To increase the amount of loans provided by the Rental Construction Financing Initiative from $2.5 billion to $3.75 billion over the next three years. This new funding is intended to support projects that address the needs of modest- and middle-income households struggling in expensive housing markets like the Greater Toronto Area. In total, this measure alone is expected to spur the construction of more than 14,000 new rental units across Canada.
- Renewed funding of $1.2 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, in support of the Gairdner Foundation. Based in Toronto, the Gairdner Foundation recognizes and rewards scientific excellence through the Canada Gairdner Awards, which are among the most prestigious biomedical prizes worldwide. This new funding would support the Foundation's activities, including Canadian and international outreach efforts to expand its reach and diversity.
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Contacts
Media may contact:
Chloé Luciani-Girouard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
chloe.luciani-girouard@canada.ca
613-462-5469
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General Enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca
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