
Federal funding to help increase opportunities for women in Quebec and build a more resilient economy for everyone in Canada
QUEBEC CITY, March 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Women continue to face persistent pay equity challenges, underrepresentation in high-paying jobs, a disproportionate load of caregiving responsibilities, and a lack of pathways for career growth. Unlocking economic and leadership opportunities for women will lead to a more prosperous and resilient economy for everyone in Canada.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, who is responsible for the Department for Women and Gender Equality , highlighted $533,029 for Corporation de développement économique communautaire (CDEC) de Québec. Their project Towards a More Inclusive and Equal Entrepreneurial Ecosystem will target entrepreneur support organizations working across the province of Quebec to address systemic barriers that hinder women's entrepreneurial success. Their work will raise awareness of the challenges women entrepreneurs face, develop tools and activities to enhance support practices, provide training for employees and management in entrepreneur support organizations, and help transform policies and programs to build a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This funding is part of the previously announced investment of up to $100 million for 163 projects to improve economic and leadership opportunities for women across Canada. The projects will advance gender equality through one or more of the following ways:
Changing gender norms and attitudes by working to change beliefs, assumptions, and stereotypes based on gender and other identity factors.
Supporting changes to authority, voices at the table, and decision-making power by working to address power imbalances to ensure women are part of the dialogue and solution.
Increasing networks and collaboration by building and strengthening partnerships to work across sectors and break down silos.
Encouraging more effective and equitable sharing of resources by sharing, mobilizing, and redistributing resources to support equality.
Changing policies and practices by creating, changing, or removing policies and practices to address sexism and other barriers to gender equality.
This funding supports Women and Gender Equality Canada's continued work to advance equality through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women, in Canada's economic, social, and political life.
Quotes
'By supporting organizations like CDEC de Québec, we are continuing our work to advance gender equality in the entrepreneurial sector. This project will help create a more inclusive business environment for women across Quebec as it seeks to address systemic barriers and equip organizations with tools and training. Together, we are working to ensure that women entrepreneurs have what they need to succeed and contribute to the growth of our economy.'
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant
'In Québec, women's entrepreneurship is a driving force that deserves support equal to its potential. By breaking systemic barriers and making support more inclusive, the CDEC paves the way for bold women entrepreneurs shaping the local economy of tomorrow.'
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec
Quick facts
Women's wages have grown steadily since the 1990s, but disparities persist. In 2024, women in Canada earned 0.89 cents for every dollar earned by men. The pay gap is wider for immigrant women who earned 0.82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Women are overrepresented in low-wage occupations. 28.2% of women, compared to 16.2% of men, work in the five lowest-paid occupations in Canada (sales and service jobs, care providers, and administrative support roles).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Women 7 (W7) Urge Action on Rights, Climate, and Gender Justice Ahead of G7 Summit in Kananaskis
OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Just days ahead of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, the Women 7 (W7), the official G7 engagement group representing feminist civil society worldwide, has issued an urgent call to G7 leaders: act now to address stalled progress on commitments to gender equality, the global rollback on rights, and the crises of climate, inequality and militarization. At a press conference held this morning, the W7 presented its call to the G7 leaders: Protect democracy and human rights – At a time when rights are under attack around the world, we call on G7 leaders to build on previous commitments and act, and invest in protecting the human rights of women and 2SLGBTIQ+ communities. This includes advancing reproductive rights, protest rights, and the safety of women human rights defenders in all their diversity. Confront the climate crisis and demilitarize – We call on the G7 to take meaningful action on the twin threats of climate collapse and increasing militarization. This moment demands investment in sustainable, peaceful, and people-centered alternatives. Ensure policy coherence and accountability – We call on G7 countries to apply a gender lens to all policy areas from economic measures and emerging technologies to peace and security. Words alone are not enough coherent policies, concrete actions, and committed resources are essential. "We are experiencing a global rollback of the rights of women and 2SLGBTIQ+ people, combined with overlapping crises that threaten peace, security, and the planet." said Beth Woroniuk, Co-Chair of the W7 2025. "The G7 must build on previous commitments and speak out with courage, accompanied by sustained investments in an economy that works for everyone, equality, and peace." "We are at a turning point," said Anuradha Dugal, Co-Chair of W7's Gender Justice Working Group. "Around the world, people, especially women and marginalized communities are fighting not just to be heard, but to survive. The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost, rights denied, and futures deferred." "The growing embrace of artificial intelligence is further concentrating wealth and exacerbating pre-existing digital divides, including those impacting women and marginalized communities," said Theodora Skeadas, Co-Chair of W7's Emerging Technology Working Group. "We need to invest in equitable economic growth as a measure of innovation, including through AI evaluations, so that everyone can benefit from emerging technologies." "The G7 has the power to chart a different course. We urge Canada and all G7 countries to meet this moment. Take bold action. Deliver on your commitments. Work with us to build a future where dignity, safety, and opportunity are rights, not privileges," said Laveza Khan, W7 Organizing Committee Member. The W7 is an official G7 engagement group focused on gender justice and women's rights. The W7 brings together feminist activists from across Canada, G7 nations, and the Global South to ensure that gender justice remains a central priority throughout all meetings and theme discussions. As Canada hosts the 2025 G7, the W7 urges the Government of Canada to lead by example—prioritizing gender-transformative policies, strengthening civic space, and ensuring meaningful civil society engagement throughout the summit and beyond. Download the full W7 Communiqué and learn more at: SOURCE Oxfam Canada View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
SocGen's Crypto Arm Unveils Dollar Stablecoin on Ethereum and Solana
SG Forge, the cryptocurrency division of French bank Société Générale, plans to introduce a dollar-backed stablecoin on the Ethereum and Solana blockchains, the bank said on Tuesday. The USD CoinVertible (USDCV) will start trading in early July and involves Bank of New York Mellon acting as reserve custodian for the token. As crypto rules coalesce around the globe, pressure is mounting on banks to take part in the integration of fiat-pegged stablecoins into mainstream finance (TradFi). SocGen, something of a stablecoin pioneer with its euro-backed EURCV token, says it is the first global banking group to issue a public stablecoin tied to the U.S. dollar. The involvement of BNY Mellon enables seamless integration between traditional and digital financial ecosystems, SG Forge said in a press release. 'After the release of a MiCA-compliant EUR stablecoin (EURCV), the launch of a U.S. dollar version was the obvious next step for Societe Generale–FORGE as market adoption of stablecoins is growing exponentially,' SG Forge CEO Jean-Marc Stenger said in the statement, referring to the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets regulations. Stablecoins, digital tokens whose value is pegged to a real-world asset, are used extensively for crypto trading and other applications. The market is dominated by Tether's USDT, with a market cap of about $155 billion, according to CoinDesk data. USDC, issued by Circle (CRCL), is No. 2 with a market cap of $60 billion. 'The stablecoin market remains largely U.S. dollar denominated. This new currency will enable our clients, either institutions, corporates or retail investors, to leverage the benefits of an institutional-grade stablecoin,' he said in a statement. USD CoinVertible and EUR CoinVertible are designed to support a wide range of client activities, the bank said, including crypto trading and cross-border payments, on-chain settlement, foreign exchange transactions and collateral and cash management. Neither USD CoinVertible nor EUR CoinVertible are available to "U.S. Persons," SG Forge said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Macallan Reimagines Packaging for Timeless Collections
New design inspired by The Macallan Estate and crafted to reflect the legacy and future of the brand TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Macallan, renowned for its extraordinary single malt Scotch whiskies, has unveiled a striking new visual identity for its Timeless Collections: Double Cask, Sherry Oak, and Colour Collection. Blending 200 years of heritage with a forward-looking vision, the refreshed packaging reflects The Macallan's enduring dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling, and timeless design. While its package design has evolved, the whisky remains unchanged – delivering the same unmistakable taste, balance, and elegance that have always defined The Macallan. "The Macallan has never stood still and never will. This distinctive new identity offers a multitude of visual cues to tell our story, from the sherry seasoning, to the American and European oak casks which contribute to the complex taste and flavour profiles in every bottle of The Macallan," says Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan. Rooted in two centuries of whisky mastery, the new packaging – designed by famed graphic designer and frequent creative collaborator with The Macallan, David Carson – brings The Macallan's heritage and innovation together, evoking the architectural silhouette of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. Evocative New VisionDavid Carson's distinctive artistic lens helped bring the brand's ethos of tradition and progress to life. His interpretation draws on natural forms, architectural details, and the meeting of sherry wine and oak – foundational elements of The Macallan's incomparable character. The Macallan's redesigned look introduces thoughtful new elements: The Macallan Distillery's distinctive profile, with its sweeping green roof, informed the new bottle design, showcasing a direct connection between the packaging and The Macallan Estate. The triangular shoulder label links the newly designed Collections with the old, and represents Spain's Sherry Triangle – the Andalusian region famed for its sherry wine production, and the source of The Macallan's exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, which influence the entirely natural colour and flavour of all three Collections. Rear label designs incorporate a new cask type symbol, bringing the tasting notes to life while highlighting the contribution of flavour and aroma imbued from American and European oak casks. Enhanced consumer engagement through continued investment in world-leading anti-counterfeit technology to provide greater traceability, while also providing further insight into the expression through a unique QR code. Three Timeless Collections, One Distinct SignatureGrounded in oak and shaped by sherry, each of the three Collections showcases a different expression of The Macallan's signature character. Double Cask Collection: A harmonious marriage of American and European oak casks, seasoned with sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, delivering notes of fresh fruit, creamy toffee, and soft spice. Sherry Oak Collection: Matured exclusively in sherry-seasoned European oak casks, this collection offers deep, complex flavour with dried fruit, wood spice, and ginger that intensifies with age. Colour Collection: Reflecting the natural spectrum of golden hues found in The Macallan's whisky, this American oak-led series features vibrant notes of citrus, vanilla, and tropical fruit. The Macallan's global reimagining reflects a new chapter in its visual identity, and signals its continued commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling. The Macallan Double Cask and Sherry Oak Collections will be available at select retailers across Canada starting this summer. The Macallan Colour Collection will be available in global travel retail. For more information, please visit About The Macallan The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky. An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine - a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. For further information visit and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies. About Edrington Edrington's vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic, The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, and Wyoming Whiskey in the American Whiskey category. Edrington also has a strategic partnership with No.3 London Dry Gin. Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,300 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed outside the UK. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements. Edrington's principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £367 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence. For more information, please visit About Suntory Global Spirits As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails. A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company's Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit and SOURCE Edrington View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio