Ontario investing $6.9 million to create economic opportunities for women
The Ontario government announced an expansion to the Investing in Women's Futures program Monday morning, to create more economic opportunities for women and help women who experience social and economic barriers to connect to supports.
Ten additional locations across the province will be receiving approximately $150,000 in funding over three years as part of a $6.9 million investment.
"All of the organizations that are recipients of the investing in women's future fund are going to provide vital valuable services to our women who are either entering or re-entering the workforce," says Minister Charmaine Williams, the Associate Minister of Women's Social & Economic Opportunity.
Two organizations are local including the Huronia Transition Homes in Midland and the Women's Centre of York Region.
"We are so excited here at the Women's Centre that we will be able to offer more wrap-around services to more women. We know that the increase in amount of intimate partner violence in our community is rising. We know that these women deserve a chance to leave these abusive situations safely and the economic supports to live independently," says Women's Centre of York Region Executive Director Liora Sobel.
The Women's Centre will use the funding to offer a new program called 'The First Step' program to help women find a career or exit an abusive relationship safely.
The program will also have a component of service navigation, both virtually and in person.
"Often, when women are experiencing gender-based violence, they can't get out of their homes easily and safely. So now we will actually have a staff here where someone can drop in and immediately get support, make a safety plan to make sure we know when is safe to do a follow-up and what her next steps are," says The Women's Centre Director of Development Allison Hermann.
"It will help get women out of abusive situations into another place to go to, and even a change in life situation right, so those things aren't happening at the rate they should be in this will help facilitate those kinds of changes," said Kelly Redmond, Huronia Transition Home program supervisor.
Throughout 2021-22, the Investing in Women's Futures program has helped more than 1,300 women across the province secure employment, start their own businesses or pursue further training or education.
"When women are active and working, women are the heart of not just their family but their community. So when women are invested in, you can change the financial future for your community, for the whole of Ontario. I always say when women succeed, Ontario succeeds," says Minister Williams.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.