SUMMERSIDE, PEI – Today, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Gail Shea, Canada's Minister of National Revenue joined the Honourable Valerie Docherty, PEI's Minister of Community Services and Seniors, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women to announce new support for women in Prince Edward Island.
"Our Government's Economic Action Plan 2012 is focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians and we are pleased that this project will help increase the economic security of women in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Ambrose. "Our government is taking targeted action to help women and girls be economically successful."
"With these investments by federal and provincial governments, this project will reach out and make a real difference for women in our community," said Minister Shea. "We are very pleased to support exciting projects like this that strengthen the participation of women in the economic life of Prince Edward Island and Canada."
The East Prince Women's Information Centre is receivingGovernment of Canada and Government of Prince Edward Island funding for its project Women Moving On. This groundbreaking 24-month project aims to give low-income women in the Summerside area an opportunity to gain better knowledge, apply new skills, and overcome barriers to the challenges of accessing employment and strengthening their economic security. The project includes training sessions for women ages 30 to 54, and will also create a support network for participants.
"By helping women achieve greater economic independence we not only assist the individual but also their families and dependents," said Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Valerie E. Docherty. "Participants will benefit from improved incomes, enhanced life skills and greater stability, children will benefit from homes with greater economic security, and the province as a whole will benefit from measures that encourage Island women to contribute their utmost to our community and our economy."
"The East Prince Women's Information Centre makes a real difference for women, addressing issues such as barriers to employment, domestic violence, substance abuse and sexual harassment," said Ms. Margaret Clarkin, Board member and Treasurer of the Centre. "We are pleased that this project will help women develop the skills they need and improve their personal economic security."
For the Women Moving On project, the East Prince Women's Information Centre is partnering with the Interministerial Women's Secretariat, Skills PEI (Development of Innovation and Advanced Learning PEI), Career Development Services (LMDA), and the Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour (income assistance). Part of the Government of Canada funding to Skills PEI comes from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through its Labour Market Development Agreement.
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
