Recent Projects

Putting Women in the Picture: Labour Market Policy and the Women's Training Sector
(October 2001 - March 2004)

Funded by Status of Women Canada-Ontario Region, this three-year project worked towards creating a strong, coordinated network of women's training, education and employment service providers in Ontario. Changing federal and provincial policy regarding labour force development, employment insurance and access to training services has resulted in programs that, for the most part, do not meet the needs of the women trying to access the labour market. Similarly, more restrictive eligibility criteria, a mismatch between programs and client needs, and lack of professional development resources have all combined to create a difficult environment in which agencies can deliver services. The project entailed extensive outreach to, and consultation with, women's service providers in all parts of the province. Focus groups were held in Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, North Bay and Toronto. Best practices workshops for the women's training sector have also been held in Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.

A position paper on successful policies related to women and labour force development has been developed and an information campaign has been developed to put women's training back on the political agenda.

This project was funded by Status of Women Canada-Ontario Region.