The Government of Canada makes Major Investments to Combat Violence Against Women and Promote Women’s Economic Security in Quebec

MONTREAL, April 22 – The Government of Canada today announced investments in community projects that will help thousands of women in Montréal and across Quebec better protect themselves from violence and abuse, and gain new skills and training that will improve their economic situation. The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding to 21 women’s groups for projects that will improve social and economic conditions for women in the Montréal area and in Montérégie, Abitibi and other regions of Quebec.

“The Government of Canada is investing in a series of decisive actions to combat the scourge of violence against women and girls and improve women’s economic situation,” stated Minister Verner. “Women across Quebec will be better able to take control of their lives, improve their living conditions, participate in society and achieve their dreams, which will in turn benefit their family and all of society.”

The total value of the funding for these 21 projects is $5.69 million over three years and is provided by the Women’s Community Fund, a component of the Women’s Program of Status of Women Canada. Projects funded by this program must promote equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

The 21 funded projects target a diversity of women – immigrant and senior women, girls and young women, Aboriginal women, women in conflict with the law, sexually exploited women and girls and those at risk of being exploited. All of the projects will provide concrete benefits to women through their structured approach, broad scope, significant expected impact and innovative qualities. They respond to the Government of Canada’s commitment to foster the full participation of women in the life of our country.

The attached List of Funded Projects contains a brief description of each project and the funding awarded.

As announced in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada will develop an Action Plan to advance equality for women by improving their economic and social conditions, and their participation in democratic life.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

For more information on Status of Women Canada, visit
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

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For further information: Dominic Gosselin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, (819) 997-7788; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, (613) 995-7839; Ce texte est également disponible en français. This release is also available on the Status of Women Canada website: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.