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Honourable Ida Chong Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues
"Empowered to Work" [Check Against Delivery]
Introduction I’m especially grateful to Don Van Akker of Knappett Projects for making it possible for us to intrude on his construction site for today’s announcement – and for allowing us to join the HardHats class in their tour of the site right after this announcement. Don, it’s very likely our paths will cross again. Not only with HardHats, but also with the Aberdeen Project for seniors in Victoria – another Knappett project – one that links to my work as Minister Responsible for Seniors’ Issues. So, Don, I wouldn’t be surprised if we meet again.
Benefits of B.C.’s thriving economy And yet this construction site is just one of tens of thousands in progress across B.C. these days. Almost overnight, it seems as if new construction and redevelopment are happening everywhere we look. This is great news. And it gets better, because in Canada, B.C. is now a leader in job growth, in housing starts, in construction permits and we’re a leader in retail sales and consumer and business confidence. Today’s Announcement All of this is certain to be good news for women in B.C. Two days ago we celebrated International Women’s Day. Canada also commemorates the entire week as International Women’s Week. As we honour the achievements and contributions of women, I think it’s appropriate to also look to our future – a future that looks very bright for women and their families in B.C.
Women’s Mentoring Today we’re launching a women’s mentoring project called Empowered to Work. The B.C. Government is contributing over $450,000 to support three unique career mentoring programs for women. These programs will be run by the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, GT Hiring Solutions and the YWCA of Vancouver. [Following this March 10 announcement, the Ministry of Community Services added a mentoring program run by the Women's Enterprise Centre, bringing the total funding for Empowered to Work to almost $500,000.] This is an opportunity for women to broaden their career horizons – and take advantage of the fact that, today, more women are working in B.C. than ever before. Empowered to Work is for women in various stages of their lives or work experience. It’s for women who are:
We recognize some of these women may face challenges in kick-starting their careers – or obtaining a job that’s better suited to their skills and abilities. Mentoring is a key that can unlock doors – as experienced, successful women come alongside to guide and encourage – to help other women find their way in the workforce, whether that’s the trades or another career path.
Conclusion I want to say thank you today to GT Hiring Solutions, the Minerva Foundation and the YWCA of Vancouver. Your organizations have stepped up to the challenge of developing and delivering mentoring programs that help women succeed – person to person. Our government has committed to expanding opportunities to more women in BC’s thriving economy. I look forward to hearing the success stories of the women who benefit from the exciting mentoring opportunities made possible by Empowered to Work. Thank you very much for your attention.
Related Links:
March 10, 2006 News Release:
Minister Ida Chong's Photo Gallery:
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