Gatineau QC— One of the most prevalent characteristics of Canada as a country is its diversity; it is Canada's strength. The Government of Canada’s goal is to create more diverse, inclusive and respectful work environments where all Canadians have a fair and equal chance to reach their full potential.
To that end, and to mark International Women's Day, the Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan Jr., highlighted two projects that aim to remove barriers to employment for Indigenous women. "Representation matters, but Indigenous women still face barriers to employment. We can make federally regulated workplaces more representative, inclusive and fair. Ultimately, it will help businesses succeed. Because when you include everyone, you get the best," said Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan Jr.,
First, the Native Women’s Association of Canada has received $386,562 to launch the project Addressing Systemic Barriers to Indigenous Women with disabilities’ Economic Securities. By building employers' capacity, the project aims to improve representation of Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and gender diverse persons with disabilities in areas of low representation in federally regulated workplaces. Through training and a best practices guide, the Association will increase knowledge of common barriers faced by these Canadians and their needs.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, commented, "When Indigenous women are represented at the table, we get a broader diversity of voices and more equitable outcomes for everyone. This also means creating more inclusive workplaces, while tackling systemic barriers. We will continue taking deliberate and collaborative action to achieve lasting gender equality."
A second organization, to receive funding is the Women in Leadership Foundation who received $273,676 for the Indigenous Leadership Circle Project, a project which aims to explore the barriers that contribute to the under-representation of Indigenous women in senior management positions in federally regulated workplaces. The project will facilitate respectful engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, employers and communities, as the Foundation builds processes, policies and tools to support Indigenous women reaching their full potential in the workforce.
Lynne Groulx, Native Women's Association of Canada CEO, spoke about how, Indigenous women want to work, they want good jobs that will provide proper housing and food on their tables. “But social factors and, in some cases, overt racism deny too many of us those opportunities. So, we commend the Minister of Labour today, on International Women's Day, taking much needed steps to remove barriers to employment by supporting a program that will allow us to help Indigenous women take their rightful place in the workforce."
The Ministry stated, The Funded through the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity Program, "these projects will help break down barriers to equal representation in the workplace and create a more vibrant and diverse workforce that empowers everyone to be part of Canada's economic recovery".
