Federal government to fund programs for women in transportation

Trucking HR Canada to receive $421,720 for diversity programs

Canada’s federal government announced funding for two projects to promote opportunities for women in the transportation industry.

Minister of labour Kellie Leitch made the announcement at the Women with Drive Leadership Summit, hosted by Trucking Human Resources (HR) Canada.

“Our government’s number one priority is to create jobs and opportunities for all Canadians,” Leitch said. “One of the ways we do this is by supporting community-based projects that support economic security and prosperity for women. We know that when women succeed, our entire country prospers.”

Trucking HR Canada will receive $421,720 in funding for the two projects, which will create opportunities for under-represented groups — including women — in the transportation sector.

The first venture, funded through the Women’s Program of Status of Women Canada, is a three-year project that will engage representatives in the trucking industry to create a mentorship model for female employees.

The project will identify the barriers women face when they enter into and advance within the trucking industry. The pilot mentorship model will be developed in targeted communities in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

The second project, again in partnership with Trucking HR Canada, aims to improve the workplace participation of groups under-represented in transportation.

The fund will be used to develop a business case for workplace diversity, productivity, and efficiency. Seminars and webinars will also be developed to support employers as they implement diversity programs.

The project is being funded through the Labour Program’s Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equality program.

“Women have an important role to play in the future of the trucking industry and our organization is committed to supporting their success,” said Trucking HR Canada’s CEO Angela Splinter. “This Government of Canada support will allow us to make investments in diversity and career development that will benefit both women and the trucking industry for years to come.”

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