international-women's-week mp-mark-strahl

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Federal Politics

The Wealth of Women

Strahl: When women entrepreneurs win, we all win

Released by Robert Pearsall PA to MP Mark Strahl

hilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP, Mark Strahl, on behalf of the Honourable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, is inviting constituents to celebrate International Women's Week 2014, March 2 to 8.

This year's event will highlight the important role played by women entrepreneurs in the Canadian economy, with the theme: Strong Women. Strong Canada. Canadian Women -Creating Jobs One Business at a Time.

"Entrepreneurs are the engines of growth, the creators of jobs and the drivers of innovation on which our economy relies, and so it makes sense to celebrate women business owners during International Women's Week 2014. These women make outstanding contributions to our economy every day and our Government is committed to supporting their success," said Minister Leitch.

International Women's Day was established in Canada in 1977 following a United Nations resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace.

Since 2007, Status of Women Canada's Women's Program has provided more than $53 million in funding for projects that specifically focus on improving women's economic security and prosperity, including over $9 million for projects which aid and support women's entrepreneurship. In total the Government has supported 680 community-based projects.

"We want to celebrate the significant contributions women in businesses make in building our economy and enriching our local community. When women entrepreneurs win, we all win," said Strahl.

As of 2011, 15.6% of small and medium sized businesses in Canada were majority-owned by women. Women owned businesses currently employ over 1.5 million Canadians and contribute $148 billion to the Canadian economy.