EDMONTON, AB - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today announced Government of Canada support for a project in Edmonton and the surrounding area that addresses the theme, "Improving Access to Second-Stage Services for Women who have Experienced Abuse."
"Our government is proud to support grassroots projects that improve the lives of women and girls escaping violence," said Minister Ambrose. "Our government has a fundamental duty to protect the personal safety of all. We will continue to protect the most vulnerable in society and work to prevent crime."
"This project meets a need for ongoing support to the courageous women and girls who leave situations of abuse and take the first steps toward a better life," said Mr. Hawn.
Catholic Social Services of Edmonton is receiving $247,665 for a 24-month project that will benefit women and girls in Edmonton and the surrounding area. It falls under the innovative Blueprint Project initiative launched by Status of Women Canada in February 2011. Blueprint Projects area series of projects that address one or more of Status of Women Canada's priority areas: ending violence against women and girls; improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity; and encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles.
"We are pleased with the response to our Blueprint Projects initiative," said Minister Ambrose. "By providing groups with a variety of funding options, we enable them to build on positive results and apply promising practices that will prepare Canadian women and girls to participate fully in Canadian society and to meet the challenges of the future."
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.
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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
