Empowering Visible Minority Newcomer Women in Canada
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release Overview
Canada is enhancing opportunities for newcomer women to secure employment by providing essential support and services. This initiative aims to showcase their skills and experiences as they integrate into Canadian society.
Initiatives for Supporting Newcomer Women
Facilitating Success for Newcomer Women
June 6, 2019—Toronto, ON— Canada is dedicated to easing the job search for newcomer women through targeted support. This effort focuses on overcoming barriers like discrimination, unstable employment, and lack of childcare and support networks.
Recognizing these hurdles, the government has chosen 22 organizations that understand the unique challenges faced by visible minority newcomer women. Over two years, these organizations will:
- Innovate and experiment with strategies to help these women secure employment and thrive.
- Strengthen smaller organizations to boost their capacity to assist these women in overcoming job market barriers.
- Enhance digital literacy to improve access and advancement in the Canadian workforce.
The Government’s commitment to the equal participation of all women is vital for Canada’s economic growth and prosperity.
Government Statements
“Visible minority newcomer women face more challenges than any other group to enter the workforce. This isn’t just about getting women jobs; it’s also about providing a sense of dignity and belonging. Canada’s gender equality is for all women, not just for some.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Visible minority newcomer women face many intersecting barriers when trying to find a job. If we want to advance gender equality, we need to acknowledge that they exist and actively work to dismantle them. Everyone deserves to be able to develop their skills and find a good job so that they can take care of themselves and their family. By supporting the organizations taking part in this pilot project, we can better ensure that all women have an equal opportunity at success.”
– The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Key Facts
- The Government is investing up to $7.5 million over two years in the 22 selected organizations to spearhead new projects.
- In December 2018, a call for proposals was initiated to identify new project opportunities.
- Visible minority newcomer women have the lowest median annual income among newcomer groups, with $26,624 compared to non-visible minority newcomer women ($30,074), visible minority newcomer men ($35,574), and non-visible minority newcomer men ($42,591).
- The unemployment rate for visible minority newcomer women stands at 9.7%, higher than their male counterparts and non-visible minority groups, as per the 2016 Census.
Related Information
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Media Contacts Only
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
FAQs About Supporting Newcomer Women
Why focus on visible minority newcomer women?
Visible minority newcomer women often face compounded barriers such as discrimination and employment challenges, making targeted support essential for their economic integration.
How will these initiatives improve employment opportunities?
The projects aim to innovate employment strategies, increase digital literacy, and strengthen support organizations, ultimately enhancing job access for these women.
What is the role of selected organizations?
The 22 organizations will spearhead projects that address employment challenges, providing tailored solutions to help women find and succeed in jobs.
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