January 22, 2009
TORONTO – Girls and women across Canada will develop leadership skills and gain increased awareness about their safety, thanks to help from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support for a project that will focus on leadership development, community involvement and safety for women and girls across Canada.
"In communities across Canada, the Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada is having a profound and positive impact on girls and young women," said Minister Guergis. "That is why I am so pleased to announce the support of Status of Women Canada for this important national organization dedicated to inspiring, encouraging and challenging girls and young women."
"Girl Guides of Canada strives to make a difference for girls and women who experience Guiding," said Ms. Myrtle Corkum, Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada. "Thanks to the help of the Government of Canada, we can build the conditions for their success, developing their leadership skills and teaching them how to work for lasting social change."
Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada (GGC) will receive $481,300 over three years, for Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada (GGC) – Girls for Safer Communities. This project will increase awareness about the safety concerns of girls and women, and develop leadership skills by providing training on community safety audits and their planning, implementation and evaluation.
Funding for the Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada (GGC) – Girls for Safer Communities initiative comes from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. The Fund supports eligible organizations in carrying out projects at the local, regional and national levels. To qualify, the initiatives must work toward the equality and full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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.
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For more information, please contact:
Elyse Newbert
Special Assisant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
