Ontario Minister Charmain Williams, responsible for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, spoke with The Caribbean Camera on International Women’s Day, shedding light on the province’s initiatives to bolster women’s advancement, particularly within underserved communities.

Minister Williams underscored the government’s commitment to recognizing women’s invaluable contributions, aligning with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Investing in women to accelerate progress.” She delineated key programs such as the Investing in Women’s Futures program and the Women’s Economic Security Program, which have garnered over $30 million in funding to furnish women with training, skills development, and entrepreneurship avenues.

Under Premier Ford’s leadership, Ontario is steadfast in its resolve to financially empower women, thereby fortifying their safety and independence. Minister Williams emphasized that investing in women yields broader societal benefits, fortifying families and communities alike. Notably, over 14,000 women have availed themselves of these programs, with many venturing into entrepreneurship or venturing into traditionally male-dominated trades.

The province has witnessed a marked surge in female participation in skilled trades, particularly in sectors like construction, where there has been a remarkable 110 percent uptick in female representation. Minister Williams credited such strides to initiatives like the Skills Development Fund, which has received a hefty investment of close to $1.4 billion. This funding has been instrumental in affording women access to training and employment opportunities in fields traditionally monopolized by men.

Addressing the involvement of Black women in entrepreneurship and skilled trades, Minister Williams underscored the province’s backing for Black-owned businesses through initiatives like the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program. Furthermore, the government’s allocation of $25 million to the Roots Community Services Black Health Hub in Brampton underscores its recognition of the imperative for culturally sensitive healthcare services for Black communities.

While acknowledging the challenges Black-owned businesses face in procurement opportunities, Minister Williams assured that Supply Ontario serves as a repository for pertinent information on available opportunities. She urged interested parties to remain abreast of developments, highlighting ongoing endeavors to rectify disparities in procurement processes.

Minister Williams reiterated Ontario’s unwavering commitment to buttressing women’s progress and stressed the imperative of sustained investment in programs that foster women’s social and economic empowerment. She expressed readiness for further discourse on procurement and related matters, affirming the government’s persistent endeavors to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Ontario.