The Government of Canada is supporting women entrepreneurs as an integral part of its Economic Action Plan, and Mary Kay is lending its expertise through the newly formed Advisory Council on Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders. Lynda Rose, General Manager of Mary Kay Canada, is one of 10 members who will share advice and insights on issues affecting women in business.
Canada’s Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, introduced the council at this week’s Women-Owned Businesses Powering the Economy Conference in Montreal. The list includes Joey Adler, CEO of Diesel Canada and Founder of the ONEXONE Foundation; Ernst & Young Partner Martin McGrath; and Rebecca MacDonald, Executive Chairman of the Board at Just Energy Group.
Earlier this month, the federal government also announced an Expert Panel on Championing and Mentorship for Women Entrepreneurs. Both forums will work to boost women-owned businesses, which according to BMO Financial Group employ over 1.5 million Canadians. RBC Economics estimates that increasing majority-owned women’s businesses by just 10 percent over 10 years would up their total economic contribution to $198 billion—a $15 billion net annual gain after inflation.