DR. K. KELLIE LEITCH KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK BY PRAISING CANADA'S WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
Targeted News Service
March 2, 2014 Sunday 8:27 PM EST
TORONTO
The government of Canada released the following news on behalf of
Status of Women Canada:
Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status
of Women, celebrated the beginning of International Women's Week
in Toronto today at events with the Red Shawl organization and the
Armenian Relief Society of Toronto. This year's theme is Strong Women,
Strong Canada, Canadian Women - Creating Jobs One Business at a Time.
This theme highlights the important contributions women entrepreneurs
make to Canada's economic success.
International Women's Week begins on March 2 and concludes on March
8 with International Women's Day. Canadians are invited to join
the Government of Canada in marking this occasion by organizing,
promoting and participating in events across the country.
Quick facts
- According to the Direct Sellers Association, the vast majority of
independent sales contractors are women (84%) who are attracted to the
opportunity to work from home, and have more control over their lives.
- According to BMO Financial Group, women-owned businesses employ
over 1.5 million Canadians.
- RBC Economics reports that as of 2011 the contribution of
majority-owned women's businesses was an estimated $148 billion.
- Since 2007, the Harper Government has delivered more than $53 million
through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects
that specifically focus on improving women's economic security and
prosperity, including more than $9 million for projects which address
women's entrepreneurship.
- Canada began commemorating International Women's Day on March 8
following a 1977 United Nations resolution calling on member states
to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace.
Quotes
"Women entrepreneurs are critical to the growth and competitiveness
of the Canadian economy. We all benefit when women's businesses
succeed, creating jobs and prosperity. That's why this year's
International Women's Week focuses on the valuable contributions of
women entrepreneurs to the Canadian economy."
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch Minister of Labour and Minister
of Status of Women
"International Women's Day provides us a wonderful opportunity not
only to celebrate the women in our community, but also to rededicate
ourselves to the goal of inspiring change in their lives. The Red
Shawl organization believes that when a woman's life is improved,
families and communities are strengthened. A shawl denotes the passing
on of a mantle, and the extending of resources to another. It also
symbolizes our approach of reaching out. By offering solutions, we
hope to inspire others towards positive change in their lives today,
and throughout the year."
- Zari Gill President & Founder, Red Shawl
"Our A.R.S Roubina Toronto chapter is looking very forward to
hosting our fifth annual celebration of International Women's Day to
commemorate the advancement and empowerment of Armenian women, and
women around the world. The Armenian Relief Society, along with its
various chapters around the world, strives to promote the educational,
social, health and welfare of communities, and continues to extend
humanitarian help to people in distress, Armenian and non-Armenian
alike."
- Lena Ohanessian Chair, International Women's Day Committee, A.R.S
Roubina Chapter
Additional Links
- Information about International Women's Week and International
Women's Day at iwd.gc.ca
- Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca
Targeted News Service
March 2, 2014 Sunday 8:27 PM EST
TORONTO
The government of Canada released the following news on behalf of
Status of Women Canada:
Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status
of Women, celebrated the beginning of International Women's Week
in Toronto today at events with the Red Shawl organization and the
Armenian Relief Society of Toronto. This year's theme is Strong Women,
Strong Canada, Canadian Women - Creating Jobs One Business at a Time.
This theme highlights the important contributions women entrepreneurs
make to Canada's economic success.
International Women's Week begins on March 2 and concludes on March
8 with International Women's Day. Canadians are invited to join
the Government of Canada in marking this occasion by organizing,
promoting and participating in events across the country.
Quick facts
- According to the Direct Sellers Association, the vast majority of
independent sales contractors are women (84%) who are attracted to the
opportunity to work from home, and have more control over their lives.
- According to BMO Financial Group, women-owned businesses employ
over 1.5 million Canadians.
- RBC Economics reports that as of 2011 the contribution of
majority-owned women's businesses was an estimated $148 billion.
- Since 2007, the Harper Government has delivered more than $53 million
through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects
that specifically focus on improving women's economic security and
prosperity, including more than $9 million for projects which address
women's entrepreneurship.
- Canada began commemorating International Women's Day on March 8
following a 1977 United Nations resolution calling on member states
to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace.
Quotes
"Women entrepreneurs are critical to the growth and competitiveness
of the Canadian economy. We all benefit when women's businesses
succeed, creating jobs and prosperity. That's why this year's
International Women's Week focuses on the valuable contributions of
women entrepreneurs to the Canadian economy."
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch Minister of Labour and Minister
of Status of Women
"International Women's Day provides us a wonderful opportunity not
only to celebrate the women in our community, but also to rededicate
ourselves to the goal of inspiring change in their lives. The Red
Shawl organization believes that when a woman's life is improved,
families and communities are strengthened. A shawl denotes the passing
on of a mantle, and the extending of resources to another. It also
symbolizes our approach of reaching out. By offering solutions, we
hope to inspire others towards positive change in their lives today,
and throughout the year."
- Zari Gill President & Founder, Red Shawl
"Our A.R.S Roubina Toronto chapter is looking very forward to
hosting our fifth annual celebration of International Women's Day to
commemorate the advancement and empowerment of Armenian women, and
women around the world. The Armenian Relief Society, along with its
various chapters around the world, strives to promote the educational,
social, health and welfare of communities, and continues to extend
humanitarian help to people in distress, Armenian and non-Armenian
alike."
- Lena Ohanessian Chair, International Women's Day Committee, A.R.S
Roubina Chapter
Additional Links
- Information about International Women's Week and International
Women's Day at iwd.gc.ca
- Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca