‘When more women can lead businesses and enter high-growth industries, Canada is stronger and more competitive’
The federal government has launched a call for proposals to fund projects that increase women's economic and leadership opportunities across Canada.
The program will direct $100 million toward projects that remove barriers to women's advancement in leadership roles and in sectors where they remain underrepresented, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the skilled trades and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence.
"A stronger economy depends on making sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” says Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). “When more women can lead businesses and enter high-growth industries, Canada is stronger and more competitive. Through this investment, we're helping organizations remove barriers, open new doors, and ensure more women can contribute their skills, ideas, and leadership to building the strongest economy in the G7."
Full eligibility requirements, application procedures and funding guidelines are posted on the Women and Gender Equality Canada website under the Advancing Leadership funding opportunity.
Organizations have until Sept. 15, 2026, to submit proposals.
The “amenities ladder” leads to lower-value jobs for women, according to a previous report.
Funding details
Women and Gender Equality Canada said the $100-million investment will support initiatives in three areas: expanding women's leadership opportunities, increasing women's participation in sectors where they are underrepresented, and helping women develop skills to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The call for proposals is delivered through the department's Women's Program, which provides $382.5 million over five years and $76.5 million ongoing annually starting in 2026-27 to organizations working to advance gender equality across Canada. The Women's Program funds time-limited projects that address systemic barriers to women's equality in Canadian society.
This call for proposals builds on the department's 2023 Women's Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, which supported approximately 170 projects focused on advancing women's economic security and prosperity, according to Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Underrepresentation in leadership
Women and Gender Equality Canada said women continue to be underrepresented in senior leadership positions and in high-paying, high-growth sectors such as STEM, skilled trades and emerging industries.
"Women have been told for decades to let the work speak for itself... The data says it does not,” Kristine Sickels, CEO and co-founder of C-Sweet, said in a statement sent to Canadian HR Reporter.
The department said ensuring women can fully participate in the economy is essential as Canada undergoes technological change, including the adoption of artificial intelligence across industries.
Government officials have said the initiative is intended to support Canada's competitiveness within the G7 by addressing gaps in women's economic and leadership participation as the labour market evolves.
Over 7 in 10 (71 per cent) women work in occupations exposed to AI, compared with 49 per cent of men, according to a previous report.
