The round table discussions with regard to women's leadership was something I began well before the budget. The issues that came up and that were top of mind were about the items that will allow a woman to be the most successful.
Mentorship is the number one item that comes up again and again. Hence, I'm pleased that it's supported in economic action plan 2014. The other item is having a champion, having someone who actually speaks to supporting you at the table. Hence, the sponsorship component part of this program.
The other component parts, which are supported by our most recent call for proposals, are making sure that women are financially literate, that they are financially prepared, so that they can maintain their business and grow it. That's why our most recent call for proposals includes a component part of allowing organizations across the country to apply for support for financial preparedness.
It's also making sure that women entering into skilled professional trades are supported. Many of the women who are entrepreneurs actually are skilled professional tradespeople. They are out there doing an outstanding job getting their apprenticeship and then making sure that they're starting their own small firm, whether as an electrician or a carpenter, and being involved in their local community.
Our new call for proposals approach I think covers the facets of what Canadian women and Canadian men across the country have said are the best ways for getting women involved in the economy.