Edmonton, Alberta – Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, at a meeting of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, underlined the importance of strong and collaborative labour relations and the participation of women on corporate boards, emphasizing the critical role they play in Canada’s continued economic success.

She also stressed that the increased presence of women on corporate boards is not only good for women but it also makes sense for our workplaces because it contributes to business success and strengthens Canadian competitiveness. The Minister also spoke about the benefits of mentorship and how the Government supports the economic advancement of women through a wide variety of initiatives, including community-based projects and advisory councils on overcoming the challenges faced by women in business.

The Minister noted that the Government of Canada supports and fosters collaborative labour relations through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which provides dispute prevention and dispute resolution assistance to trade unions and employers under the Canada Labour Code.

The Labour Program protects the rights and well-being of both workers and employers by promoting safe, healthy, cooperative and productive workplaces. Through legislation, programs and services, it fosters good working conditions, constructive labour-management relations and discrimination-free workplaces.

Quick Facts

• The June 2014 report by the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council for Promoting Women on Boards recommends that the public and private sectors in Canada aspire to see women attain 30 percent of all board positions over the next five years. The report provides a roadmap to make this happen.
• Over the last five years, where the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has been requested, 94 percent of collective agreements within the federal jurisdiction were settled without a work stoppage.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $153 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 750 community-based projects across Canada. This includes more than $60 million invested through the Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada in projects that promote women’s economic security and prosperity.

Quote

“ Our Government is committed to creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. We are pleased to work with stakeholders to foster strong labour relations and create economic opportunities for women. Our Government will continue to do its part to ensure that Canada’s labour force is resilient, diverse, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women