May 21, 2009
Carleton Place, Ontario - The federal government is pleased to provide support for an initiative to inspire youth to end dating violence. Scott Reid, Member of Parliament for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women).
"I am proud to be announcing funding for a project that will lead to building healthy relationships for young women and men," said Minister Guergis. "By funding the Lanark County Interval House we are investing in the lives of Canadian women and girls, knowing that only when all women have the opportunity to contribute and be successful will Canada prosper."
"Through this project more young women and men will have safe relationships which will in turn help make our communities and safer and stronger," said Mr. Reid.
The Lanark County Interval House will receive a total of $197,848 for the project entitled Where is the love? Inspiring Youth Initiative to End Dating Violence, to educate Lanark County young women and men about violence against young women and girls in intimate relationships, and will ultimately lead to youth-led, self-sustaining, anti-violence initiatives in seven local rural high schools. The project received support from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This Fund supports eligible organizations in carrying out projects at the local, regional and national level. To qualify, the initiatives must work toward the equality and full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
"Lanark County will need to tap into the full potential of the community to meet the challenges of the future, and by providing youth with the tools to build healthy and strong relationships, they will be able to better meet those challenges," said Ms. Erin Lee-Todd, Executive Director, Lanark County Interval House.
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:
Sherine Mansour
Senior Special Assistant 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
