Might I respond to that? I have been working in construction management for over 10 years and have regularly dealt with people from other cultures. Some of them are more conservative than those in the North American one.
The guys I've dealt with are much more interested in knowing you can do your job than in knowing you're a woman. The best way of overcoming any barriers from other cultures is to demonstrate competence.
As far as getting more women from other diverse cultures involved in non-traditional roles in Canada goes, again I think role models will play a key role. When they see other women leading successful careers and making financial successes of their lives, they will certainly consider construction or other non-traditional roles as being viable options for them.