Canada Extends Support for Racialized Newcomer Women Amid Pandemic Challenges

August 11, 2021—Ottawa, ON—The Government of Canada continues its steadfast commitment to empowering every woman and girl in the country, with a particular focus on dismantling the barriers faced by racialized newcomer women. These challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected women, highlighting the urgency of targeted interventions.

Federal Support for Innovative Projects

In a decisive move to address these pressing issues, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the allocation of $2.1 million in federal funding to support 11 innovative projects under the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot. This initiative, which began in 2018, initially backed 21 projects aimed at assisting racialized newcomer women in securing employment and honing their skills. The latest funding extends support to 11 of these projects, ensuring their continued impact.

Addressing Core Challenges

The projects are designed to equip racialized newcomer women with the tools needed to secure well-paying jobs in Canada. They aim to dismantle barriers such as:

• Gender- and race-based discrimination
• Precarious or low-income employment
• Lack of affordable child care
• Weak social supports

Moreover, some initiatives focus on the critical issue of credential recognition, enabling women with international training, particularly in fields like IT, to effectively utilize their skills within the Canadian job market. By providing work placements, these projects also help women develop their abilities in a Canadian context, further smoothing their integration into the labour force.

A Larger Framework of Support

These projects form part of a broader $15 million investment into the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot, as outlined in Budget 2021. This initiative is a cornerstone of the government's strategy to support those hardest hit by the pandemic, and it builds upon previous progress to ensure that racialized newcomer women can thrive in Canada.

Promising Practices and Future Directions

The Pilot will continue to implement programs based on successful practices, such as:

• Career exploration opportunities to align with specific career and training goals
• Action plans to boost confidence in navigating the Canadian labour market

These efforts aim to establish a solid evidence base for the most effective services and approaches to support racialized newcomer women. Minister Mendicino highlighted that many concluded projects have already yielded positive outcomes, with numerous women gaining valuable employment support. These projects offered innovative solutions, including:

• Job search assistance
• Digital literacy skills training
• Mental health support
• Job placements with follow-up support

Conclusion

As Canada moves forward, the continued investment and focus on these initiatives underscore the country's dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all women, particularly racialized newcomer women, can achieve their full potential. By addressing systemic challenges head-on and providing tangible support, the government is laying a foundation for long-term success and integration in the Canadian labour market. Through such efforts, Canada reaffirms its commitment to a diverse and inclusive society, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.