November 20, 2006

Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues Sandra Pupatello today announced a new $4 million training program that will help women who have experienced or who are at-risk of experiencing domestic violence find employment.

“Hundreds of women across Ontario will get a new chance because of this program,” said Minister Pupatello. “It will improve their ability to get well-paying jobs that will give them economic independence to build a new life.”

Ten organizations across the province will receive funding over the next two years through the Employment Training Pilot Program to administer and deliver programs offering skills training, education, support and counselling to more than 450 women who have experienced abuse. Each program consists of a three-way partnership between a violence against women group, a training organization and an employer.

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology is partnering with Direct Energy Essential Home Services and Nellie’s Shelter to offer the residential air conditioning systems mechanic program

“A good education is an essential factor in helping women become economically independent, and the Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic program is an ideal fit because the skilled trades offer well-paying jobs and flexible employment prospects,” said Anne Sado, President of George Brown College Applied Arts and Technology. “Women in this program also will benefit from a learning environment sensitive to their needs as they recover from abuse.”

Lee Rose, Direct Energy's Senior Vice-President, Home Services Canada, said, “Direct Energy has a tremendous need for qualified trades people to support our heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician base, which is the largest in Ontario. We're proud to partner with George Brown College and local women's and community organizations to help women build better lives by acquiring a skilled trade.”

The pilot training program is part of the government’s comprehensive, $68-million Domestic Violence Action Plan, introduced in December 2004.

Other government initiatives to promote women’s economic independence and prevent domestic violence include:

• Investing $2.7 million over two years to provide information technology training for low-income women;
• Investing $1.5 million to provide pre-apprenticeship training in the skilled trades for low-income women who are unemployed or underemployed;
• Investing $58 million over four years to provide community services to victims, including counseling and shelter;
• Investing $5.9 million to train professionals to recognize the signs of abuse earlier and give women the support they need; and
• Investing $4.9 million for a public education campaign targeting children and youth and the adults who influence them, to change attitudes and mobilize communities to stop violence before it happens.

“The Domestic Violence Employment Training Pilot Program gives women the opportunity to find sustainable employment and achieve economic security which are important steps for their future and the future of their families,” said Pupatello.