More cuts to women today

Another example tonight of how the government seems intent on destroying the progress and equality of women in Canadian society. This time it comes in the form of 100% cuts to the Women in Science and Engineering Employment program.

I know I shouldn't be surprised - as the government is on a warpath for women it seems - but I always am.

- Artemis.

Federal Government Cuts Funding to Women in Science and Engineering

Women in Science and Engineering, Newfoundland & Labrador (WISE NL) was
dismayed to learn late yesterday that all federal funds from the St. John's
and Corner Brook offices have been cancelled for their award winning Student
Summer Employment Program (SSEP). WISE-SSEP, a nationally recognized
program, offers young women from Newfoundland and Labrador the opportunity
to work in paid research positions with award winning researchers and
scientists so they can experience first-hand that careers in science and
engineering are exciting, rewarding and accessible.  President Dr. Laura
Halfyard is concerned that loss of this major source of funding less than
five weeks before the start of the 2007 program may spell the end of this
valuable initiative.

Says Dr. Halfyard, "We were shocked that after 17 years of strong support
from Service Canada, our 2007 funding application has been denied without
explanation." She added "This year alone we had planned to place 30 young
women in high quality, career-oriented job placements. These positions are
especially significant to the 67% of participants from rural areas, where
opportunities are often more limited."

WISE-SSEP director Caroline Koenig noted that WISE had embraced the new
application process. "We felt our program was a perfect fit for the revised
funding criteria, with its focus on mentoring and providing career related
experiences that would otherwise not be available to youth in their own
community."  She added "WISE-SSEP also addresses barriers preventing young
women from pursuing careers in science and engineering." Statistics provided
by Dr. Cecilia Moloney, NSERC/Petro-Canada Chair for Women in Science and
Engineering, at Memorial University, show that enrollment of women in
accredited undergraduate programs in Canadian universities has fallen below
20% since 2001. 

Evaluation of this nationally recognized program has shown that the vast
majority of participants have gone on to post-secondary education and
training, with many into technology-based careers where there are increasing
skills shortages in Canada.

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Background Information

Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland & Labrador (WISE NL) is a
non-profit, volunteer organization which aims to increase the participation
of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers by
increasing awareness that these professions are rewarding and exciting
options for women. WISE NL also provides mentoring, professional development
and networking opportunities to facilitate the success of women in these
fields, and advocates for equitable workplaces.

The NSERC/Petro-Canada Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, Atlantic
Region, (CWSEA) is one of five regional Chairs across Canada. The key
objectives of these Chairs are to increase the participation of women in
science and engineering and to provide role models for women considering
careers in these fields.

Ironically WISE NL was in the process on having the program reviewed by a
professional researcher through funds proved by the Natural Sciences
Engineering Research Council of Canada granting agency, PromoScience, to
look at the impact the program has had on its participants.