Minister, we're in the process of completing our study on attracting women to the skilled trades and STEM fields. This was something that I and several of my colleagues on both sides of the table were very interested in.
Despite the downturn in the oil and gas sector, we in Alberta especially still have a large void in skilled trades. We've heard some witnesses come through saying that if they could get women to go into the skilled trades, they could see their salaries reaching into the six-figure area.
It has really been a challenge for us. How do we change the perspective? How do we get women involved in these types of opportunities? What initiatives are in place through Status of Women Canada by way of an effort to support and advance women in skilled trades and technical professions?