Empowering Visible Minority Newcomer Women in Windsor
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government Initiatives
On December 18, 2018, in Windsor, the Canadian government reaffirmed its dedication to providing essential support and services to newcomers. This commitment aims to help them leverage their skills and experiences for full integration into the Canadian economy and society.
Visible minority newcomer women often encounter various hurdles, including discrimination based on gender and race, unstable employment, insufficient childcare, and limited social support.
Innovative Pilot Program Tackling Employment Barriers
Boosting Support through Funding
In response to these challenges, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating up to $5 million over three years to ten organizations nationwide. This funding aims to enhance employment services for newcomer women.
Windsor’s Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) offers essential services such as counseling, mentoring, and work placements tailored to newcomer women’s skills and education. An additional $310,000 will enable WEST to expand its support for visible minority newcomer women in the region.
Expanding Partnerships and Capacity
By increasing funds for existing IRCC-funded service providers with effective women’s programs, immediate capacity boosts can be achieved. This initiative is part of IRCC’s 3-year pilot, which involves forming new partnerships and offering up to $7 million over three years to foster innovative programs for visible minority women in the labor market.
Key Statements
“Employment is crucial for newcomers’ successful integration. It’s not just about economic contribution but also dignity and belonging. Visible minority newcomer women face multiple employment barriers. This pilot program provides direct support to help them enter the workforce and build their careers.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I’m pleased to announce increased funding for WEST’s employment services as part of the Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot. This funding will enhance their capacity to serve more women in Windsor.” – Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary
“Connecting women to the workforce is a priority for WEST. We assist over 3,000 women annually and value creating opportunities for women facing barriers. This program will positively impact both participants and the Windsor-Essex County business community by expanding services for visible minority newcomer women.” – Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST Executive Director
Essential Facts
- Visible minority newcomer women earn the lowest median annual income of all newcomer groups, at $26,624, compared to $30,074 for non-visible minority newcomer women.
- The unemployment rate for visible minority newcomer women is 9.7%, higher than 8.5% for visible minority men and 6.4% for non-visible minority men.
- Organizations interested in the EOI process should review online Funding Guidelines and submit their interest by January 4, 2019.
Related Resources
Media Contacts
Media Inquiries
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
What is the goal of the Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot?
The pilot aims to enhance employment support and services for visible minority newcomer women, helping them overcome barriers and integrate into Canada’s workforce.
How much funding is being provided?
IRCC is allocating up to $5 million over three years to existing service providers and up to $7 million for new partnerships and innovative programs.
Who is eligible for the additional funding?
Organizations already providing effective women’s programs and those interested in forming new partnerships with IRCC can apply for additional funding to expand their services.
For those interested in learning more about immigration policies, Read our immigration guide.
