February 22, 2012
OTTAWA – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a national project that will help young women gain valuable experience in leadership.
"Our Government is proud to support this project that will help prepare young women to participate as future leaders and decision-makers in their communities," said Minister Ambrose. "While building leadership skills, the project will also help young women gain valuable experience, support their career development, and contribute to their economic success."
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is receiving $199,905 from the Government of Canada for an eighteen month project to provide mentorship to young women in their leadership roles.
"The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to opening the door for more women to contribute their skills and experience to local government and community organizations," said Edmonton Councillor Karen Leibovici, First-Vice President of the Federal of Canadian Municipalities. "We are very pleased to partner with Status of Women Canada on a project that will help women in leadership positions serve as mentors to those who want to become local leaders in the future."
This project will help young women across Canada build their leadership skills to use in their community. As a national project, it expands on a pilot project in Toronto entitled 'Protégé'. The goal is to provide young women with hands-on experience such as job shadowing of a municipal councillor. These young women will be encouraged to run for agencies, boards and commissions during and after the project's completion.
Today's announcement is part of the innovative Blueprint Projects initiative launched by the Government of 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.
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.
- 30 -
For more information (media 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
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
