By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
“Women deserve equal opportunities in the workforce, and when they have them, our whole economy benefits. I’m proud to see investments from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence supporting vital initiatives like the Women’s Economic Security Program,” said Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
The Ontario government is committing up to $1.24 million over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to provide skilled trades training for low-income women in Windsor. The funding will support the Industrial Mechanic Millwright CNC Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women, offered by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor in collaboration with St. Clair College.
“These programs help women achieve financial independence, which is a key step toward safety and empowerment. Together, we’re working so every woman can reach her full potential, while building a safer, more inclusive, and equal Canada for everyone,” Ien said.
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 participation, the training programs also include additional support such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support in finding child care.
Through the training program, women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access wraparound support, including referrals to mental health and well-being services, counselling, housing, and legal support.
“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 a bilateral agreement with the federal government under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
“I’m proud to see our government’s continued support for women’s economic security through this investment in partnership with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor and St. Clair College. The Industrial Mechanic Millwright CNC Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women is a tremendous opportunity for women to build both their careers and their independence in an incredible line of work,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh.
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