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TORONTO - The Ontario government is investing up to $8.2 million over three years through the Women's Economic Security Program to support eight programs in Toronto that will help women gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to find a job, start a business and achieve financial independence. This investment includes:

• Up to $1,237,000 for The Redwood Shelter to deliver the Women in Trades and Technology IT training program
• Up to $987,000 for WoodGreen Community Services to deliver the CNC/Precision Machining training program
• Up to $685,000 for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto to deliver the My Start Up entrepreneurship training program
• Up to $1,087,000 for the Scadding Court Community Centre to deliver the Women's Entrepreneurship (WE) Hub program
• Up to $2,021,000 for George Brown College to deliver the Fashion Exchange Women in Fashion Technology program and the Women Transitioning to Trades and Employment hairstyling pre-apprenticeship program
• Up to $2,158,000 for YWCA of Greater Toronto to deliver the Moving On To Success employment program and the Mobile Application Developer Training program

This funding is part of the government's investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women. To support Francophone women in Toronto, the government is also funding OASIS Centre des Femmes to deliver the Entrepreneurship Launchpad program at its Toronto and Brampton sites.

"The Women's Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities," said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity. "I'm proud of our government's continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve."

The Women's Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: the skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support finding child care.

Women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.

Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women.

"Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women's economic empowerment," said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. "Through the Women's Economic Security Program, we are helping women access in demand careers, achieve financial independence and succeed in sectors that are vital to the economy."

This investment is part of Ontario's four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. In addition to the province's $15 million investment over three years in the Women's Economic Security Program, Ontario is providing up to another $11.7 million through the bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"When women have equal opportunities in the workforce, economies thrive - and we need more women to have the support they need to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. I'm proud that the investments from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence will do just that. These initiatives will empower more women in Toronto to reach their full potential, creating a more inclusive and prosperous Ontario and Canada for all."

- The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

"George Brown College is committed to empowering women with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today's workforce. This generous investment from the Government of Ontario into our Women Transitioning to Trades and Employment and Fashion Exchange Women in Fashion Tech programs is a testament to the critical role that education plays in advancing women's economic security. We are proud to support women as they build brighter futures for themselves and their communities."

- Leslie Quinlan
Senior Vice-President, People Enablement and Experience, George Brown College

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