Status of Women Committee on Nov. 6th, 2023

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to meeting number 85 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the Standing Orders, and members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.

I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the members.

Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those who are participating by video conference, please use the “raise hand” function so that I can identify you before speaking as well. You have the option, of course, of French or English. I think you all know that, so we're good there.

For our witnesses, I'm sure you have already checked in and already know that there is French and English there. Just as a reminder, you all have to be using your headsets, and everything looks good there.

For the benefit of Andréanne, all of the sound checks have been done in both French and English. Everything should be good.

Just as a reminder, if we're speaking French and English, just put on your earpiece to choose French or English, if there is a language that's better for you.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 21, 2023, we'll begin our study on women's economic empowerment. I am pleased to welcome, for our first hour, Cadleen Désir, social entrepreneur. She is here in person. We also have with us Meseret Haileyesus. Online, we have Clare Barnett, who is the director of economic development for the City of Brampton.

Today, we are going to be providing each of you five minutes for your opening comments. When you see me asking you to wrap it up, please make that your last 15 seconds. We just want to make the time as tight as possible.

What we'll do is look at the time and try to extend the meeting a bit longer, but we're going to be staying in our 3:30 to 5:30 time slot. With the subcommittee, we work so well together that I know we'll be able to get through that, so we may be shortening that time instead.

Cadleen, I'm going to pass the microphone over to you for the next five minutes for your presentation. You have the floor.

[Cadleen Désir, Social Entrepreneur, As an Individual]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Good afternoon, honourable members.

In this final year of the United Nations' International Decade for People of African Descent, what a wonderful opportunity I have to share my story with you. I am Cadleen Désir, a social entrepreneur. If there is one thing to remember, it is that my story is not unique and has led to the creation of a scholarship fund at the University of Montreal bearing my name.

In 1976, my parents arrived at Montreal-Trudeau Airport, fleeing Haiti under the Duvalier dictatorship. They faced the challenge of building a future while holding diplomas that were not recognized. Armed with courage, they started from scratch and bet on the eldest child—that's me—to break the cycle of generational hardships.

I quickly developed a strong sense of responsibility, working three jobs to pay for my education. So many constant sacrifices, busy schedules, and the pressure of juggling work, studies and caregiving responsibilities, while I just wanted to focus on my education. A few months before obtaining my degree in psychology, a professor taught future graduates a theory that claimed that Black people were less intelligent than white people. This moment marked my journey and motivated the creation of the scholarship fund bearing my name. While education is a powerful weapon, such statements have a devastating impact on several generations.

My entry into the workforce was marked by similar challenges. Being a woman, and the only person of colour on the executive team of a large SME, pushed me to burnout. How could I have been prepared to navigate these systemic challenges? I learned that I was pregnant, and that became my motivation. I became an entrepreneur out of necessity.

The journey of my business, Déclic, lasted for 17 years and served 50,000 children with special needs. Despite the challenges of accessing financing, the lack of mentorship and three pregnancies without maternity leave, Déclic received several recognition awards. During this period, I realized how I was, once again, part of the entrepreneurial exception, and the disparities in effort compared to my peers were striking and unjust. Faced with the lack of role models to guide me, my commitment to the cause was strengthened.

I contributed to the creation of the Afro-entrepreneur fund and saw how beyond financing, these individuals needed specific support. My story is not unique. Beyond programs, we need role models. Initiatives like the International Black Women's Summit, the largest gathering of its kind in Canada, deserve to be sustained because they allow 6,000 women to feel supported, empowered and equipped.

My story is not unique, and I aspire for it to shatter stereotypes while opening doors. If I have been the chair of the board of EntreChefs PME, which brings together more than 2,000 members, predominantly men from the manufacturing sector, there is still work to be done. I am proud to have facilitated the entry of other women and entrepreneurs of colour into this business circle. Yes, elitism in the ecosystem persists and further widens the gap with under-represented groups such as women. And yes, I believe we must continue to implement measures to propel the diverse faces of our economy within the existing networks.

On my resume, I also contributed to the transformation of Femmessor into Evol and chaired its board. Evol is an organization dedicated to financing and supporting female entrepreneurs in pursuit of equality.

You know, I understood that intersectionality brings its share of additional challenges, especially for BIPOC people who face constant specific barriers that require particular attention.

Despite these successes, I still face daily systemic challenges. Without access to a family legacy, I had no choice but to close the doors of my company, Déclic, as we emerged from the pandemic. Even when one has managed to overcome many obstacles, economic inequalities persist for women and, particularly, for BIPOC. These inequalities are exacerbated exponentially because these groups are at the forefront of all societal battles. This bleeding must stop. And the worst part is that the recession will only accentuate these gaps.

Afro-descendant women more than ever need psychological support to bolster their resilience on the path to financial autonomy and economic contribution. Black communities are diverse, and empowerment means offering a versatile and well-equipped tool box to build a resilient Canadian society that is more equitable and inclusive. This is where the Cadleen Désir scholarship fund comes in.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

We're now going to turn it over, for the next five minutes, to Meseret from the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment.

You have the floor for five minutes.

[Meseret Haileyesus, Executive Director, Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment]

Thank you.

Good afternoon. My name is Meseret Haileyesus, and I am the founder and executive director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, CCFWE. We are the only Canadian non-profit organization that focuses on addressing economic abuse and injustice through system change, research and advocacy.

I stand before you today to address the paramount issue of economic empowerment of women.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

I have a point of order, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

I was going to do that as well.

The interpretation is coming in. Are you getting it as well as French?

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

I'm just getting French. There's no English.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

The English channel is coming in as French.

We will restart, if you don't mind, and we will check with the translators.

[Meseret Haileyesus]

Thank you so much.

Good afternoon. My name is Meseret Haileyesus, a founder and the executive director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, CCFWE. We are the only Canadian not-for-profit organization that focuses on addressing economic abuse and injustice through system change, research and advocacy.

I stand before you today to address the paramount issue of the economic empowerment of women.

Economic abuse impacts 95% to 99% of domestic violence survivors. Women survivors report losing sources of income due to domestic violence, yet they have no way of pursuing business ventures because of the strict background checks, including credit score checks.

Women-owned businesses, particularly those run by single moms, represent a significant and growing sector of the global economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. However, women entrepreneurs often confront systemic barriers that limit their progress and potential. It's our duty to address these disparities, empower women in business and create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Women-owned businesses have long faced disparities in accessing financial resources. Access to microcredit, funds and a steady income are common challenges confronted by survivors of domestic abuse. Most women who have survived gender-based violence experience unemployment and are recipients of social welfare or disability support programs. Racialized women often face a dual challenge in obtaining capital for their businesses. They experience gender bias as well as racial disparities in accessing financing. Discriminatory lending practices and limited access to venture capital can significantly hinder business growth.

Dear honourable members, policy-makers must immediately implement policies that promote equitable access to financial resources for women-owned businesses. This includes ensuring secure banking services, offering specialized loans for women of colour and start-ups, providing affordable banking options and establishing clear guidelines for disentangling joint bank accounts following separation and divorce.

These policies support women-owned businesses by fostering secure financial practices, removing obstacles like limited access to financial institutions and discrimination, and ensuring equitable services for asset ownership. These measures are essential for preventing predatory lending practices, enhancing economic self-reliance and driving sales and profits, ultimately contributing to greater financial stability for women entrepreneurs.

In addition to this foundational work, the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment respectfully urges the standing committee to enact the following recommendations.

First, identify the regulatory barriers that disproportionately affect racialized women-owned businesses, and systemic and structural racism.

Second, invest in building a collective federal strategy with financial institutions to remove the existing regulatory barriers and to encourage survivors who are interested in entrepreneurship by offering trauma-informed microentreprise or entrepreneurship programs. Microenterprise and entrepreneurship programs provide survivors with practical opportunities such as skills development and mentorship, ensuring survivors' economic safety.

Third, create economic incentives so financial institutions can actively support women-owned ventures. This includes the provision of low-interest loans, grants and venture capital specifically earmarked for women-owned businesses. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between government agencies and financial institutions can significantly enhance accessibility.

Fourth, fund and support research on women-owned businesses to better understand their challenges and opportunities. This data-driven approach will enable the development of evidence-based policies and initiatives.

Fifth, work with provincial and territorial governments to establish transparent reporting requirements for businesses and government agencies to track their support for women-owned enterprises.

Sixth, foster international trade and export opportunities for women-owned businesses through trade agreements, education programs and access to global markets.

Dear honourable committee members, policy-makers must champion these policies to drive their implementation for the benefit of women entrepreneurs and the broader economy. These steps foster equity, dismantle systemic barriers and harness the vast potential of marginalized women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and innovation. Empowering racialized women is not only a social justice issue; it's imperative for our nation's prosperity and competitiveness.

Let's collectively ensure racialized women entrepreneurs flourish. Together, we can take bold action to uplift racialized women entrepreneurs, creating a more equitable and prosperous society that celebrates diversity and provides economic opportunities for the next generation.

I would like to thank you, committee members, for your interest in this important topic and, most importantly, for having this conversation through a public hearing.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

Thank you so much.

We will now move online to Clare Barnett from the City of Brampton.

Clare, you have five minutes.

[Clare Barnett, Director, Economic Development, City of Brampton]

Thank you.

Good afternoon. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak with you today.

My name is Clare Barnett, and I am the City of Brampton's Economic Development director. Prior to joining the City, I worked at the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Cabinet Office of the Government of Ontario. I've been working in the field of economic development for over 20 years. I've been in leadership positions for the past 15 years.

My comments today will focus on the diversity of—

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

I have a point of order, Madam Chair.

I'm so sorry. The translation is the same volume in both French and English.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

Could we go back a couple of seconds, Clare? I want to see where we're at.

Perhaps you could speak a little bit of English. We might have to go all the way back.

[Clare Barnett]

Do you want me to start from the beginning in English?

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

Yes, please.

[Clare Barnett]

Sure.

Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

We're good.

[Clare Barnett]

Thank you.

My name is Clare Barnett, and I am the City of Brampton's Economic Development director. Prior to joining the City, I worked at the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Cabinet Office of the Government of Ontario. I've been working in the field of economic development for over 20 years. I've been in leadership positions for the past 15 years.

My comments today will focus on the diversity of women in Brampton and the examples that show that when women have mentors in their careers, they overcome barriers and challenges that affect their economic empowerment.

First, I would like to tell you about Pink Attitude Evolution. Pink Attitude Evolution was founded in 2015 in Brampton as the first not-for-profit organization of its kind in Canada, where women of South Asian origin are empowered to achieve their full potential in their chosen endeavours. Its work on the changing face of Canada's workforce includes a national research study with a goal of creating an accompanying action plan on unlocking the potential of a growing South Asian women labour force.

Their study, released in 2020, which the City of Brampton sponsored, found that South Asian women are twice as likely to say that they are treated unfairly in the workplace. It revealed that more than 57% of South Asian women are planning to leave their jobs for other opportunities. The study followed a 2020 Statistics Canada report that discovered that South Asian women have almost twice the national unemployment rate. They are also more likely to be underemployed and underpaid compared with non-visible minority women.

Important contrasts within the study suggest that South Asian women born in Canada and those already established in this country face different obstacles and will need distinct supports to succeed. Established South Asian women, for example, can be role models of the future, but they first need mentorship to break through the glass ceiling.

The second example I would like to share with you is a success story from a woman mentored throughout her career. MDA is an international space mission partner and a robotics, satellite systems and geo-intelligence pioneer based in Brampton. After 50 years, it is now building a new global headquarters and centre of excellence in the city. Its leadership team is seven women and seven men.

One of the women is Holly Johnson, vice-president of robotics and space operations. She joined MDA as an engineering student in 2008. In 2010, she became a systems engineer. Then she became a business development manager, director of operations, vice-president of operations and now vice-president of robotics and space operations. Throughout her career, she was guided, supported and mentored. When I asked her what the mentoring culture was like at MDA, she said that every one of her managers pulled her up into a stretch position because they saw her potential and ability. There is a culture at MDA to reward talent and ambition, which is very progressive.

Another example is the Mastercard emerging leaders cyber initiative, which is delivered by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst in Brampton. This program is for women and non-binary leaders seeking to advance to executive-level positions in cybersecurity. ELCI is the first in the world. Career mentoring is a key component of the program, providing participants with personalized support, guidance and mentorship from senior cyber executives.

My final example is the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment. The centre's mission is to empower young women. It offers after-school programs, workshops, camps, and events based on four pillars: financial education; studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; community engagement; and empowerment. Based in South Etobicoke, Toronto, the centre organized a pilot STEM camp in Brampton this summer.

I think mentoring is one of the key elements to ensuring women's career growth and economic empowerment. Without this, women will continue to hit glass or cement ceilings, ending up on the glass cliff.

I would like to request the consideration of this committee as to what some of the best employee-led mentorship programs are and the role of big employers in order to enable scaling and best practices. In addition, how can mentors play a role, outside of their organizations, to support women professionals and entrepreneurs in their communities?

This can build on the Government of Canada's 50-30 challenge. The goal of the program is to challenge—

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

I don't know whether you saw me, but I need you to wrap it up.

[Clare Barnett]

I can finish now, if you like.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

You have about five more seconds.

[Clare Barnett]

That's okay. I was just going to tell you about the 50-30 challenge, but that's absolutely fine.

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Karen Vecchio]

We'll get into that, probably, during questions.

I'm going to switch over to our rounds of questioning. We will start off with our first six minutes, and we'll start with the CPC and Michelle.

Michelle, you have the floor for six minutes.

[Michelle Ferreri, Conservative, Peterborough—Kawartha, ON]

Thanks, Madam Chair.

Thank you to the witnesses. Thank you for the work you do.

I'm very interested, Ms. Désir. You said Déclic went out of business. Is that correct?

[Cadleen Désir]

Yes, I had to close my business.