Womanly Totally Locally!

Every time we choose to shop, support and enjoy local, our dollars grow Saskatoon’s economy, create jobs and build a better quality of life for us all. According to Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, in the province women-owned small and medium enterprises represent nearly 14% of businesses, contribute 26% of the total GDP and employ about 33% of Saskatchewan’s workforce. Accordingly, at Totally Locally women-owned businesses are well represented. In fact, in the Experts, Workout, and Goods sections of the YXE Market Hub website over half of the businesses featured are women-lead. One may argue that this level of representation may be due to the specific categories in which more women may own businesses, but we beg to differ. The pets section features two women-owned services providers and women entrepreneurs are also well represented in the Eats and Outings sections. In fact there isn’t a single section without a woman-owned business. Clearly these women-owned businesses take their local promotion to heart and it would be great if as a community we took to heart to support them! Next time you’re looking for a locally owned venue for supper, for an activity to do with your family and friends, or for expert advice or services, check out www.totallylocally.ca!

By all account, the construction industry is booming across Canada, including in Saskatchewan. It means that job opportunities abound at every level and in all areas of the trades. This bodes well for women in particular. Until recently the construction industry hadn’t been overly welcoming to women. In 2021, women were still vastly underrepresented at only 12% of the construction workforce in Canada (13% in Saskatchewan). And of the women involved in the sector, 76% of them worked in office support roles (61% in Saskatchewan). Further, depending on the trade women earned between 11% and 16% less than their male counterparts.

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce member, Véronique Loewen, recently sat down with Bobbylynn Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Breck Construction, for a Straight Talk on the participation of women in the construction sector.

Q: Have you noticed a change in the construction industry in terms of gender diversity?

A: There are encouraging signs that the industry is on the cusp of a significant shift. There is a growing focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and organizations are becoming more aware of the data showing that companies with greater diversity in their leadership teams are more successful. However, while some progress has been made, women are still underrepresented particularly in leadership