Tackling the She-Covery Critical to Canada’s Growth

(TORONTO– March 8, 2023) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), released the following statement to mark International Women’s Day (IWD):

“Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the labour market are preconditions to our economic prosperity. An equitable socioeconomic recovery will only be achievable if all stakeholders rally behind measurable goals as noted in the OCC’s report The She-Covery Project: Confronting the Gendered Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Ontario. The report points to key areas that public policy makers should consider to advance inclusive economic growth in the year ahead:

1. Provide financial, legal advice, mentorship, and skills training programs for equity-deserving entrepreneurs.
2. Adopt supplier diversity programs to ensure government procurement creates opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and businesses that demonstrably support diversity and inclusion.
3. Scale interventions proven to increase women’s representation and prevent attrition in the skilled trades, STEM, and other traditionally male-dominant occupations and sectors.

“The OCC’s 2023 Ontario Economic Report revealed that businesses’ second highest public policy priority is workforce development; and we all know a strong workforce is an inclusive one. We encourage public policy makers to prioritize direct supports for women and other equity-deserving groups in their upcoming budgets to support their economic empowerment and prosperity.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255