My question is for the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. It is encouraging to hear that our government is continuing to focus on initiatives that are providing women with opportunities for greater economic empowerment.

However, there are still areas of concern that need to be addressed. The number of women employed in technology-related careers as well as in the skilled trades occupations are well below their male counterparts. The reality is that women only currently account for 5% of the skilled trades workforce. With more than 100,000 unfilled skilled trades jobs right now, it is critical that our government does all that we can do to attract more women to pursue these in-demand and rewarding careers.

Speaker, can the associate minister please elaborate on how our government is helping women to develop the skills they need to gain financial security?

Thank you, member from Newmarket–Aurora, for the question and for the last question to close out the session.

I’ve gone across the province and have had a wonderful opportunity of meeting hundreds of women who are getting into the workforce and taking advantage of the programs and investments this government has made to support their flexibility and their training and skill development. This includes promoting a wide range of fields and careers for women and girls, helping entrepreneurs find supports and resources to create more women-led businesses. That’s why we’ve also expanded the Investing in Women’s Futures Program and the Women’s Economic Security Program.

Together, we’ve assisted more than 3,000 women to start their businesses, pursue further training and/or their education. We are getting it done for women in Ontario, because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.