Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs

Press Release

September 19, 2024

OTTAWA – The Ontario government is investing up to $1.47 million over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to support two employment training programs for low-income women in Ottawa. This investment will provide up to $1 million to support Francophone women through La Cité Collegiale’s employment skills program and up to $476,000 to support Indigenous women at Minwaashin Lodge – Indigenous Women’s Support Centre.

This funding is part of the government’s investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business and achieve financial independence.

“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”

The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support finding child care.

Through the training program, women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.

Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women.

“Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women’s economic empowerment,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Through the Women’s Economic Security Program, we are helping women access in-demand careers, achieve financial independence and succeed in sectors that are vital to the economy.”

This investment is part of Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. In addition to the province’s $15 million investment over three years in the Women’s Economic Security Program, Ontario is providing up to another $11.7 million through the bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

Quick Facts

• Organizations funded under the Women’s Economic Security Program deliver employment, pre-employment, pre-apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship training to low-income women. The 25 training programs are delivered through partnerships between women-centred organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.
• Since its inception in 2018, the Women’s Economic Security Program has helped more than 2,600 women secure employment, become entrepreneurs, or pursue further training and education. This includes helping 1,298 women start small businesses and 237 get jobs in the skilled trades.

Quotes

“When women have equal opportunities in the workforce, economies thrive. I’m proud that the investments from the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence will help women across Ontario achieve financial independence. This is about empowering more women to reach their full potential and creating a more inclusive, safe and equal Canada for all.”

– The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“As the MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Francophone Affairs, I am pleased that Collège La Cité and Minwaashin Lodge are receiving crucial funding from the Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP). For Collège La Cité, this support will benefit women students in my riding and the Ottawa region by enhancing training in finance and community pharmacy. Additionally, Minwaashin Lodge will receive funds for its Indigenous Women’s Support Centre. This funding represents a significant step toward a more inclusive future for all.”

– Stéphane Sarrazin
MPP, Glengarry–Prescott–Russell

“Minwaashin Lodge: Indigenous Women’s Support Centre is delighted to share that our Courage to Soar Program has received continued funding through the Ontario government’s Women’s Economic Security Program. The Courage to Soar Program provides executive assistant education and training to Indigenous women and plays an invaluable role in the holistic wraparound support Minwaashin offers to Indigenous women fleeing abusive and violent life circumstances. This program is grounded in a recognition that education and training are essential in supporting women to leave the cycle of violence, through the upward economic mobility and independence they provide. Chi Miigwech to Minister Williams and the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services for your support of our women and community!”

– Mary Daoust
Executive Director, Minwaashin Lodge-Indigenous Women’s Support Centre

“We are deeply grateful for this support, which allows us to continue our mission of training through excellence-driven programs tailored to the needs of women. At Collège La Cité, we guide students on their path to autonomy and professional success. Our Women’s Economic Security Program perfectly illustrates our commitment to helping them achieve these goals. This funding enables us to enhance our offerings and support even more women on their learning journey, providing them with personalized assistance and tailored tools to achieve their ambitions and fully contribute to our society.”

– Lynn Casimiro
President and CEO of Collège La Cité

Additional Resources
Women’s Economic Security Program

Ontario’s action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence

Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs

Related Topics

Business and Economy

Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more

Education and Training

Learn about Ontario’s early years, education and training systems. Includes information on child care, elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, skills training and financial aid. Learn more

Jobs and Employment

We’ve got the resource and supports to help connect job seekers with employers. Learn more
Media Contacts

Patrick Bissett
Minister’s Office
Patrick.Bissett@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
media.mccss@ontario.ca

ILR5