July 3, 2009
PRINCE RUPERT, British Columbia – The Government of Canada is pleased to support the North Coast Transition Society in carrying out its pilot project Building Life Skills: Tools for Success. The initiative will focus on the issue of economic security for marginalized women with substance abuse issues in Prince Rupert by building their life skills.
"I am proud of our Government's support for Building Life Skills, a much-needed project that will support women to gain independence and stability, providing them with the tools they need to address barriers," said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). "As an organization dedicated to providing services to women caught in an ongoing cycle of poverty, violence – including abuse related to residential schools – racism and oppression, the North Coast Transition Society reaches out to some of the most at-risk and vulnerable women in this community."
"Through our work with marginalized and vulnerable groups of women, we have noted that many of the barriers they face result, in part, from the fact that they lack vital life skills," said Ms. Christine White, Executive Director, North Coast Transition Society. "Through theBuilding Life Skills project, we will be able to effectively address this gap by providing the essential life skills the women need to begin their process of healing, to improve their personal situation, and to stabilize the lives of their children, who are, after all, our hope for the future."
To carry out the Building Life Skills: Tools for Success project, the North Coast Transition Society will receive $115,810 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 North Coast Transition Society is a feminist organization committed to addressing violence against women and children with and on behalf of the community. The Society's major activities include providing: safe, secure, confidential refuge; relevant and accessible services and programs; advocacy for social change in addressing violence in society; and the provision and promotion of community awareness and education on violence against women and children.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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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
