B.C. announces $29 million in funding for women, minorities in the technology sector
The B.C. government is teaming up with community partners, spending millions to get more women and minorities into the technology sector.
The government, Crown agency Innovate B.C., the Information and Communications Technology Council and Mitacs are spending a total of $29 million to create 3,000 jobs for those entering the technology sector this year.
The government asked for feedback from more than 20 organizations and reviewed hundreds of surveys from businesses and individuals who support equity-seeking initiatives to determine how best to distribute the funding.
The program is based on the Innovator Skills Initiative and would provide companies with up to $10,000 per employee for the first four months, but the grant amount has been increased and preference is given to employers hiring those who are a minority or part of the LGBTQ community.
Brenda Bailey, the parliamentary secretary for technology and innovation, says the goal now is to revamp the existing program to create a more inclusive and sustainable technology economy.
B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says this is one way the government is working to reinvigorate the job market by providing employers the funding they need to create jobs for those most affected by the pandemic.
He says the pandemic has been disproportionately hard on women and Indigenous and Black communities for employment.
“We want to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to benefit from economic recovery.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.