News Release
December 9, 2011
Saint John, NB - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, today announced Government of Canada support that will help women gain the skills necessary to start a business.
"The economy is our government's top priority and we are pleased that this project will increase the economic security of women in Saint John," said Minister Ambrose. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we are proud to support a project that will help women sustain their businesses during the critical start-up period."
"The Saint John Community Loan Fund is an important local organization and this project will enhance their capacity to help women in our community," said Mr. Weston. "Our government is pleased to support exciting projects like this that strengthen the participation of women in the economic life of Saint John and our country."
The Saint John Community Loan Fund is receiving $219,126 from the Government of Canada for a 36-month project to provide women in Saint John with business tools and support that will help promote and sustain their businesses.
The Loan Fund has worked since 1999 to make a difference here in our community," said Louise Béland, President of the Loan Fund. "We are pleased that this project will help women in need to become self-employed, self-sufficient, and succeed economically."
The Saint John Community Loan Fund works to improve social conditions and promote economic independence for individuals. The Loan Fund also promotes community investing.
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, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.
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For media inquiries only, 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
For all other inquiries, please contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
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