Canada’s New Government Supports Art Project Aimed at Improving the Lives of At-Risk Women and Girls
News Releases
April 13, 2007
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WINNIPEG, April 13, 2007 — On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mrs. Joy Smith, Member of Parliament (Kildonan-St. Paul), today announced funding of $165,000 to the Crossing Communities Art Project Inc., a registered charity aimed at developing art projects and networks by mentoring women and girls who are in a marginalized position.
This is among the first grants Canada’s New Government has provided under the renewed Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada. “Crossing Communities Art Project is making a difference in the lives of at-risk women by creating opportunities for them to develop skills in film and video, as well as to improve their interpersonal communication and presentation skills,” added Minister Oda.”The Government of Canada is proud to support this initiative, which takes concrete actions to directly help Canadians,” Mrs. Smith said. “This project will directly engage up to 30 Aboriginal and visible minority girls and women who face significant barriers in their lives.”
Ms. Edith Regier, Executive Director of the Crossing Communities Art Project Inc., said, “The Project offers a unique opportunity for art mentorship to women and girls who have come into conflict with the law, or are at risk of doing so. Through this initiative, we are helping to boost confidence and self esteem among these women, as well as their social and economic well-being, in ways that can truly change their lives – and the community – for the better.”
Based in Winnipeg, Crossing Communities achieves its goals through studios and workshops that employ visual expression in ways that help women and girls to heal in the aftermath of trauma and violence, reduce their likelihood to harm themselves and re-offend, and increase their social and economic well-being. Participants are drawn from other service agencies working with women who have been in conflict with the law, or are at risk of going to prison.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.
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For more information, please contact:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director, Communications
Status of Women Canada
(613) 995-7839
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