Ontario has affirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment with an investment exceeding $1 million for career enhancement and entrepreneurship. This investment is part of a broader commitment to reducing gender-based violence and promoting economic stability among women.
Focused on women who find themselves in low-income scenarios, the provincial authority has earmarked $1.88 million, spanning three years via the Women’s Economic Security Program. The fund will sponsor two notable employment training programs based in Cambridge and Guelph.
Michael Parsa, the minister of children, community and social services, commented on this program saying, “With the Women’s Economic Security Program, we are facilitating women to step into high-demand careers, attain financial stability and thrive in sectors that are crucial to our economy.”
Earlier this year, a mandate was set in place to provide menstrual products at larger construction sites, as part of the Working for Workers Five Act 2024. This move has been another stepping-stone in supporting women in male-dominated fields.
Additionally, $1,061,000 of the recent investment will fuel Conestoga College Institute of Technology’s carpentry pre-apprenticeship program for women in Cambridge. This program is particularly directed towards extending hands-on skills training to women empowering them to achieve financial independence as they serve their communities.
Dr. John Tibbits, President at Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, has expressed his gratitude for the funds promised by the Women’s Economic Security Program. He further stated, “The funding will play a pivotal role in encouraging a diverse assembly of students to engage in skilled trades, addressing labour shortages on a provincial level.”
In addition to educational support for women, the state will offer $821,000 to the entrepreneurship training program called Opening Opportunities, led by 10 Carden Shared Space in Guelph. Projecting power into the people’s hands, they focus on providing resources and mentorship, combined with building community relations to advance individual skills and ambitions. The program specifically serves women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs living below the Low-Income Measure.
In the past, the Ontario administration has announced an investment of roughly $6 million to train more than 1,000 carpenters province-wide through the Skills Development Fund (SDF).
Furthermore, as an integral part of the actions undertaken to battle gender-based violence, the Women’s Economic Security Program will utilize a part of the province’s $15 million allocation spread across three years. This is in addition to the $11.7 million funding being provided through the bilateral accord with the national government as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Women’s Economic Security Program, since its initiation in 2018, has managed to equip over 2,600 women with employment, entrepreneurship opportunities and the means for further training and education. Of these, approximately 1,298 women have successfully inaugurated small businesses, and another 237 have secured employment in skilled trades.
The program also extends help to women who are at risk of or have experienced intimate partner violence by referring them to supports, such as mental health and wellness services, counseling, and legal and housing assistance. This wholesome approach by the state administration aims to uplift women economically, socially, and psychologically, contributing to a balanced and prosperous society.
