Unifor welcomes the invitation to make a submission concerning women in skilled trades and STEM occupations. Unifor represents 305,000 workers in Canada from coast to coast to coast. Over 40,000 of our members can be found in the skilled trades. They work in trades in every major sector of the economy.
We also have a significant number of our members working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in sectors such as health care, aerospace, universities and telecommunications.
This Committee has asked for our input on the prevalence of women in STEM occupations and skilled trades; the barriers that women may encounter in getting into or staying in these occupations; and any promising practices to encourage more girls and women to pursue a career in STEM occupations or skilled trades.