Empowering Visible Minority Newcomer Women in Etobicoke
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government’s Commitment to Newcomers
December 19, 2018—Etobicoke—The Canadian government is dedicated to providing newcomers with the necessary support and services to utilize their skills and experiences fully. This initiative aims to aid their integration into the Canadian economy and society.
Addressing Barriers for Women in the Workforce
Visible minority newcomer women often encounter numerous obstacles such as gender and racial discrimination, unstable employment, high childcare costs, and limited social networks. To tackle these challenges, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating up to $5 million over three years to enhance employment support for these women through 10 service providers across Canada.
The Rexdale Women’s Centre, for instance, offers comprehensive support to help women and their families integrate successfully into Canadian society. With an additional $310,000 in funding, the center can now assist more visible minority newcomer women in Etobicoke. This funding aims to enhance access to settlement services, foster emotional well-being, and boost workforce participation.
Significance of Employment for Integration
“Employment is crucial for newcomers. It’s not only about economic contribution but also dignity and belonging. Our pilot program will support visible minority newcomer women in preparing for and entering the workforce.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The additional funding for the Rexdale Women’s Centre will enable them to better serve visible minority newcomer women in Etobicoke.” – The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
Vital Statistics and Opportunities
Visible minority newcomer women have the lowest median annual income among newcomer groups, earning $26,624 compared to $30,074 for their non-visible minority counterparts.
The unemployment rate for visible minority newcomer women is 9.7%, higher than for both visible minority (8.5%) and non-visible minority (6.4%) newcomer men.
Interested organizations can review the Funding Guidelines online and submit their letters of interest by January 4, 2019.
Associated Links
- Expression of Interest: Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot Initiative
- Supporting Visible Minority Newcomer Women
Contact Information
Media Contacts
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from the additional funding provided by IRCC?
The funding primarily supports visible minority newcomer women facing employment barriers, helping them integrate into the Canadian workforce.
What are the main barriers newcomer women face?
These women often deal with gender and racial discrimination, unstable employment, expensive childcare, and limited social networks.
How does the Rexdale Women’s Centre assist newcomer women?
The center offers a range of services to support integration, emotional well-being, and labor market participation.
