New federal investment will help improve women’s economic security in Québec’s Outaouais region

News release

Project will improve women’s access to well-paying jobs in the automotive sector 

November 14, 2018 – Gatineau, Québec – Status of Women Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and understands the important role that creating more opportunities for women in all aspects of Canadian life can play in promoting women’s empowerment. By investing in projects that improve women’s economic security, we are helping to ensure that women, their families and communities can prosper. 

Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, today announced federal funding for a project that will improve women’s access to well-paying jobs in the automotive sector. 

Québec’s automotive sector is having difficulty filling stable, well-paying positions. One of the solutions is to change workplace culture and attract more women to the profession. Option Femmes Emploi will receive $274,285 in funding for a 36-month project entitled Women’s access to the automotive sector which seeks to increase women’s economic security through increased participation and retention in the automotive industry by improving the work environment in the sector. 

The organization will work to identify the biggest barriers and gaps to women’s recruitment and retention in the sector. The project will establish an advisory committee composed of local women, businesses, community organizations and unions, and seek to develop a regional action plan to train businesses in the Outaouais on best practices in an effort to create more inclusive work places in the automotive sector. 

Women continue to be disproportionately affected by economic insecurity. In 2015, women in Canada earned just 87 cents for every dollar earned by men. They are also much more likely to work on a part-time basis, making up 76% of all part-time workers, with 25% of women reporting childcare responsibilities as their reason for working part-time. 

In October 2017, Status of Women Canada invited organizations to propose projects that support women’s economic security across Canada by addressing some of the root causes of inequality, including barriers such as access to childcare, unequal pay and the gender wage gap. Through this call for proposals, entitled Support for Women’s Economic Security, more than 30 projects have been approved for a total of $10 million in funding. These projects will unfold over a period of three years, and funding builds on our ongoing efforts to support women’s economic empowerment and advance gender equality for all Canadians.

Quotes

“Our government knows that when we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone, and that’s why these projects are so important: they are creating the right conditions for women to thrive in their careers – and their lives. By funding organizations like Option Femmes Emploi that work to eliminate the barriers holding women back, we are ensuring that all Canadians – regardless of gender – have a real and fair chance at success.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

“Option Femmes Emploi has been working with women in the Outaouais region for over 20 years. The organization has developed a unique expertise and makes a difference in the lives of many women. These results reflect the exceptional leadership shown by Option Femmes Emploi and its innovative approach. This financial support is a testament to our government’s commitment to supporting gender equality and gender balance in non-traditional trades.”

Steven MacKinnon
Member of Parliament for Gatineau
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

“We are grateful to Status of Women Canada for supporting this project that aims to increase economic opportunities for women in the automotive industry. We will work with a number of industry partners in order to help women in the Outaouais region succeed and prosper in these quality jobs.”

Martine Plourde, Executive Manager 
Option Femmes Emploi                                  

Quick facts

  • McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by taking steps to advance equality for women—such as employing more women in technology and boosting women’s participation in the workforce—Canada could add $150 billion to its economy by 2026.

  • Economic security is composed of basic social security, defined by access to basic needs such as health, education and housing.   

  • The Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada supports eligible organizations to carry out projects to advance equality by addressing systemic barriers. 

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
343-549-8825 

Valérie Haché
Communications Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-8684

Page details

Date modified: