July 30, 2009
PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support to the Prince George New Hope Society for a project that will help increase safety and eliminate discrimination against sex trade workers and sexually exploited youth in northern British Columbia.
The Prince George New Hope Society will receive $188,184 over 24 months for its project, Giving Hope: Empowering Women and Communities. This project will assist women wanting to leave the sex trade and sexually exploited youth in acquiring the services they require to exit the sex trade, including addiction recovery services. Through activities such as counseling, peer support, group information sessions and leadership development, vulnerable women and youth will be able to address personal barriers and increase their access to resources.
"Giving Hope: Empowering Women and Communities will help women and vulnerable youth access the resources and services they need to assist them in leaving the sex trade," said Minister of State Guergis. "By supporting this project,our Government is ensuring that these women have the opportunity to break down barriers and gain the skills they need to help them contribute fully to their communities."
"There is a general lack of awareness within the community and even with service providers around the issues facing sex trade workers," said Alison Paul, Executive Director, Prince George New Hope Society. "Our project will empower these women to make healthy life style choices, and will give them leadership skills to educate and engage their communities so that we may tackle discrimination and bring them the assistance they need to face barriers."
Funding for the Giving Hope: Empowering Women and Communities project comes from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. The Women’s Community Fund supports projects at the local, regional and national levels.
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
