commitment to create economic opportunities for women with two initiatives
featured in its 2003 budget, said Dianne Cunningham, Minister Responsible for
Women's Issues.
The budget proposes to renew programs that help women facing labour-
market barriers obtain apprenticeships in the skilled trades, and skills and
jobs in the information technology sector. As part of its commitment to
supporting safe communities, the government will also double funding to
women's centres for services to help vulnerable women find jobs.
"Financial security is essential for women to be able to participate
fully in the cultural, social and economic life of this province," said
Cunningham. "Economic independence is also a critical factor in enabling women
to escape violent situations and build new lives for themselves and their
children."
The Ontario Women's Directorate currently funds the Information
Technology Training for Women (ITTW) and Women in Skilled Trades (WIST)
programs that were initiated by the government three years ago to help
unemployed or underemployed women. These programs are delivered through
partnerships with schools and training centers, employers and community
organizations. Both have been effective in helping women to train for and
secure well-paid jobs that enable them to break the cycle of poverty. The
proposed new initiative would expand these types of programs.
Additional funding for women's centres will enable them to provide more
victims of domestic violence with job training, mentoring and networking
supports they need to become economically self-sufficient.
The program details and implementation plans for these budget initiatives
will be developed over the coming months.