TORONTO, ON – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a community-based project that will result in services in the Toronto area that are geared to increasing prosperity among women and girls who are new to Canada."
"The economy is our government's top priority and women are integral to our nation's success, now and in the future," said Minister Ambrose. "On International Women's Day 2012, I am proud to announce our government's support for this promising new project, which will enhance integration, training, employment and leadership opportunities in Metro Toronto for women and girls who are new to Canada."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to fund organizations like this one, which works to ensure that these women and girls have every opportunity to integrate fully and to enjoy the benefits of participation in the social, economic and democratic life of Canada," said Parliamentary Secretary Truppe.
Skills for Change of Metro Torontois receiving $389,298 from the Government of Canada for its 36-month project, Gender Consideration when Developing Programming for Immigrant Women. In the first of a series of projects under their new initiative, Immigrant Women in Leadership, Skills for Change will carry out a review of its services to better respond to the particular needs of women and girls who are new to Canada.
On International Women's Day 2012, we are pleased to have the support of the Government of Canada for this project, which will help create more flexible and accommodating programs that address both domestic and systemic barriers to immigrant women's participation in Canadian society," said Mr. Peter Perdue, Chair of Skills for Change. "These new approaches will lead to the development of a women's leadership component to be shared with other service providers throughout the city."
Canada's theme for International Women's Day 2012 is Strong Women, Strong Canada – Women in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada's Economic Prosperity.
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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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
