Canwest has handed $700,000 to Canadian Women in Communications, underwriting the group’s mentorship program for the next seven years. The program is aimed at increasing the number of female senior executives in the industry and, for 10 years, has paired emerging professionals with more established women for one-on-one coaching.

‘We’re proud to be making this long-term investment to not only support women in their current roles, but also to help them build a path towards future opportunities,’ said Barb Williams, EVP of content at Canwest, in a statement. Williams herself won CWC’s mentor of the year prize in 2007.

Canwest will give $100,000 per year, in line with the conditions laid down by the CRTC upon its purchase of Alliance Atlantis. The Alliance Atlantis benefits package earmarked $14.6 million for social benefits including mentorship, diversity and other efforts.