une 15, 2011
EDMONTON, AB - Today the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, made the following statement concerning the re-naming of part of 101A Avenue in Edmonton "Okisikow (Angel) Way."
"I am personally committed to raising awareness and working towards ending violence against women and girls. That's why I would like to commend all those involved in the honorary naming of this downtown section of 101A Avenue "Okisikow (Angel) Way" to help spread awareness of domestic violence.
I was deeply moved when I visited the first "Angel Street" in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
I am proud that my city has taken up Iqaluit's challenge to designate an "Angel Street" in memory of the victims of domestic violence. Some participating cities include Yellowknife, Fredericton and Kamloops. The Angel Street Project recognizes that violence against women affects us all, destroying families, weakening the fabric of our society, and taking a heavy toll on our communities and our economy.
Since 2006, our government has worked tirelessly to make our communities safer and to prevent crime. We have taken strong action, including increasing penalties for violent crimes; introducing legislation that would increase penalties for the sexual abuse of children and strengthening the peace bond provisions concerning persons previously convicted of sexual offences against children; raising the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to 16; ending the use of house arrest for offences involving serious personal injury; enacting three specific Criminal Code offences that prohibit trafficking of persons; and increasing support for victims of crime.
In addition, since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested more than $30 million in projects to end violence against women and girls in communities across the country; this is in addition to the $10 million over two years for a strategy to address the alarming number - and pressing issue - of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to ensuring the fair, equitable and respectful treatment of all citizens, and to taking further decisive action against all acts of violence against women and girls."
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For more information, please contact:
Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839
