Enhancing Job Prospects for Racialized Newcomer Women
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Empowering Racialized Women in Canada
Every woman and girl in Canada deserves the chance to maximize her potential. However, racialized newcomer women often face unique challenges that can hinder this progress. To address these issues, the Government of Canada is dedicated to providing the necessary support and services to help these women secure meaningful employment.
March 15, 2023—Vancouver—Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a significant initiative. The YWCA of Metro Vancouver will receive up to $1.1 million over two years as part of the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot. This funding will support the Tech Connect program, designed to assist internationally-trained IT professionals in navigating Canada’s tech industry.
Government Support for Women in Tech
The Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot aims to enhance workforce access through mentorship, employment counseling, and work placements. By investing in initiatives like Tech Connect, the government reaffirms its commitment to helping racialized newcomer women establish successful careers in Canada.
The YWCA of Metro Vancouver is one of several programs benefiting from this pilot. More funding announcements for similar organizations are expected nationwide in the coming months.
Testimonials and Success Stories
“Racialized newcomer women face significant challenges in entering the workforce. We are working to break down these barriers to ensure all immigrants can work in jobs that align with their skills and experience. Programs like Tech Connect are taking important steps to combat gender- and race-based discrimination, giving women important opportunities to reach their fullest potential. I’m proud that the Government of Canada can be a partner in this work.”
– Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“We are delighted to receive a two-year extension of the YWCA Tech Connect employment program from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This grant will enable our program to support more newcomer women to secure rewarding careers in the tech industry. Thank you to the Government of Canada for recognizing this innovative and impactful program.”
– Erin Seeley, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Metro Vancouver
Key Facts About the Initiative
- In December 2022, Canada announced $5.8 million in renewed funding through 2025 for 10 projects under the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot, supplementing the $15 million from Budget 2021.
- This pilot addresses barriers like gender and race discrimination, unstable employment, and lack of childcare, promoting full economic participation for racialized newcomer women.
- The pandemic has worsened labour market challenges, with a significant unemployment gap between immigrant and Canadian-born women (15.2% vs. 8.0%).
- Funding for extended projects will be available until March 31, 2025.
Associated Links
- Services for newcomer women
- Supporting gender equality by addressing barriers to employment
- Government initiatives for racialized newcomer women
Contact Information
Contacts for media only:
Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
FAQs
What is the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot?
The pilot is a government initiative to improve employment access for racialized newcomer women through targeted support and services.
Who benefits from the Tech Connect program?
Internationally-trained IT professionals who are racialized newcomer women in the Greater Vancouver Area benefit from this program.
How long is the funding for the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot?
The pilot funding extends through 2025, ensuring continued support for various projects across Canada.
Take the next step in supporting racialized newcomer women by exploring these valuable programs and services today!
