MONTRÉAL, Québec (CU)_The Canadian government has unveiled a women-only task force in order to address gender equality issues by advising policymakers on economic recovery following the pandemic.
According to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, the group will harness expert voices across the country that would assist the government in addressing such issues.
The group of 18 members, will include former British Columbia Finance Minister Carole James, Hydro-Quebec Chief Executive Officer Sophie Brochu, global chief economist and head of macro strategy at Manulife Investment Management, Frances Donald, and many more.
According to a news release, the task force will hold its first meetings early this month, in the lead-up to the budget.
“Their diverse perspectives will help our government make smart, targeted investments through Budget 2021 and beyond to advance gender equity and address the systemic barriers and inequities faced by women, including Black, Indigenous, and people of colour – so that Canada’s economic recovery leaves no one behind,” Minister of Middle-Class Prosperity Mona Fortier said.
There have been uneven impacts of the pandemic on the labour market, with women being particularly affected as they disproportionately work in jobs in the service sector where physical distancing is difficult.
“The government recognizes that a robust and inclusive recovery is necessarily also a feminist recovery,” the news release said.
Meanwhile, with International Women’s Day being celebrated on 8 March, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, virtually participated in a summit hosted by SheEO, a Toronto-based not-for-profit and a national Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund recipient.
The event launched a meaningful discussion on women’s economic empowerment, having brought together women who are “redefining the future of business”.
“I am consistently impressed by Canadian women entrepreneurs, not only by their accomplishments and contributions to our economy, but also by their drive and resilience,” Minister Ng said. “Our government is committed to being there for women entrepreneurs, listening to their needs, and developing and adapting support measures as needed. We will continue our efforts to ensure that the gains women have made in recent years are not lost to the pandemic.”
The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said in a statement that women have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, and therefore, the Canadian government made a nearly $15 million investment towards WES Ecosystem Fund, which is a part of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), which aims to increase women-owned businesses’ access to financing, talent, expertise and networks.
