Earlier this month, the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) received funding from the federal government to promote women into positions of leadership in the construction industry.
The volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization is the recipient of $249,900 from the Ministry for Status of Women Canada. The money is intended for a three-year project that will conduct research and develop a plan to improve the advancement of women across the industry.
“CAWIC is thrilled to be awarded this opportunity to work with the federal Ministry for Status of Women Canada to promote change, break down barriers, and create an action plan for the those organizations that hire skilled trades to increase the number of women entering, remaining, and being promoted into decision-making roles within the Canadian construction industry,” the organization’s president, Tammy Evans told Construction Canada Online.
Through the program, the shortage of skilled trades in the province will also be addressed. CAWIC is now looking for employer, union, and educational partners to team up with for the initiative.
“It is our goal, through this project, and with the co-operative efforts of industry leaders across Canada, commencing with Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland/Labrador, to facilitate tangible, sustainable, measurable change within the Canadian construction industry, which will address both the shortage of skilled trades and the challenges for women within the industry,” said Evans.
