The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women

About BPW Canada

Our Mission

BPW develops the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill-building, and economic empowerment programs and projects across Canada and around the world.

Who We Are

The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada) is a non-sectarian, non-profit, and non-partisan organization that works to improve the economic, political, social and employment conditions of working women in Canada. We provide a training ground for developing professional, business and leadership potential in a safe and supportive environment, enabling members to build skills, networks and create lasting friendships.

BPW Canada was founded in 1930, the same year as the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) and is one of BPW International’s Founding Federations. BPW International has Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and now includes affiliates in more than 100 countries around the world.  Membership in a local club includes membership in the provincial, national and international Federations thereby encouraging participation at any and all such events.

BPW Canada has been recognized for its many projects over the years, from the  Women’s Empowerment Principles to Equal Pay awareness campaigns and submission of Resolutions including the need to declare Equal Pay Day nationally, the fight against human trafficking and being a voice for the Indigenous people. Organizations such as the United Nations and other foreign governments from all over the world have acknowledged and applauded BPW’s efforts to improve conditions for all women.  Our mission, vision, aims and principles guide us to our ultimate goal which is to improve conditions for all women.

Our Vision

To achieve a just and equal status of women at all levels and areas of society where decisions are taken in true partnership with men, based on mutual respect, for a more balanced and peaceful world.

Our Aims

BPW Canada aims to unite business and professional women in all parts of Canada and beyond to:

Work For Women’s:

  • economic independence
  • equal opportunity and representation in economic, civil and political life

Encourage and Support Women and Girls:

  • to develop their professional and leadership potential
  • to undertake lifelong education and training
  • to use their abilities for the benefit of others, locally, provincially and nationally

Advocate:

  • for the elimination of all discrimination against women
  • for human rights and the use of gender-sensitive perspectives

Undertake:

  • country-wide networking and co-operation between business and professional women
  • non-profit projects that help women gain economic independence to present the views of business and professional women to national organizations and agencies, and to business, governments and civil society

Our Goal

To achieve a just and equal status of women at all levels and areas of society where decisions are taken in true partnership with men, based on mutual respect, for a more balanced and peaceful world.