This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta’s Status of Women Ministry will focus on:
- Increasing women’s economic security
- Increasing women’s leadership and democratic participation
- Decreasing violence against women and girls
“We cannot build a stronger, more prosperous province if we leave women behind. Our government promised to increase gender equality in Alberta, and we are keeping that promise. Working with the new Ministry of Status of Women, our government will include the voices of women in our policies, programs, and legislation. Our province will be richer as a result.”
“Alberta women are building strong businesses, families, and communities across the province. We are partnering with women and with ministries across government to increase economic resilience, promote women in leadership positions, and to help eliminate violence against women.”
Women who feel safe and have equitable access to capital and networking are vital to a strong and resilient economy. A 20 per cent revenue growth among women-led businesses would represent $2 billion a year to Alberta’s GDP.
Women are underrepresented in leadership positions across the province, in both the public and private sectors. Our government is leading by example with the first gender balanced Cabinet in Canadian history.
The Alberta government already has a record of action on gender equality: entrenching gender identity and expression in the Alberta Human Rights Act, raising the minimum wage, increasing funding for women’s shelters, and supporting the survivors of domestic violence by allowing them to break a lease early, without fear of financial penalty.