CRANBROOK, British Columbia - The Government of Canada is pleased to support the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC in carrying out its project Hidden by Exclusion Phase III - Moving Forward. The initiative will work to increase the social and economic well-being of women in the Cranbrook area who face barriers such as discrimination and racism.
"I am proud of our Government's support for the project Hidden by Exclusion Phase III - Moving Forward," said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). "As an organization dedicated to empowering women, the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC will help women become job-ready by increasing their knowledge and skills in such key areas as personal preparedness, pre-employment skill building, job search skills and entrepreneurship training."
"Through our work with marginalized and vulnerable groups of women, we have identified that many of them - particularly women with disabilities, women with mental illness and Aboriginal women - face barriers in accessing and maintaining stable employment," said Ms. Velma McKay, Chair, Board of Directors, Community Connections Society of Southeast BC. "Through the Hidden by Exclusion project, we will be able to effectively serve our region's high Aboriginal population, including women in southeast BC, helping them to not only prepare for and find employment, but also to increase their economic self-sufficiency."
To carry out the Hidden by Exclusion Phase III - Moving Forward project, the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC will receive $75,658 through 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 levels.
The mandate of the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC is to be a visible leader in East Kootenay communities, providing programs and services that enhance the well-being of the diverse people of the region. The wide range of programs the Society offers includes: Immigrant Settlement, Multiculturalism, Anti-Racism, Women's Centre, Young Father's Program, Supported Child Development, Better Babies Pregnancy Outreach, Child Care Resource and Referral, and Early Childhood Programs.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women, and their full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Sherine Mansour
Director of 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
Ce texte est également disponible en français.
