July 3, 2012
RED DEER, AB – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament (Red Deer), today announced Government of Canada support for a project that addresses prosperity for immigrant women in central Alberta.
“Our government's Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said Minister Ambrose. “Through this project, which takes targeted actions to help immigrant women in central Alberta to become more economically successful, we are building opportunities for women to be full participants in life of their communities and our country.”
“The Government of Canada recognizes that our country's success is strengthened when we create opportunities for everyone to make a contribution,” said Mr. Dreeshen. “Newcomers bring their talents, along with their hopes and dreams, and I look forward to the results of this unique project, which will help immigrant women make a difference for themselves, their families and our communities.”
The Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association (CAIWA)is receiving$300,000 in Government of Canada funding for a project to work with local community partners to develop and implement a plan promoting the economic security and prosperity of immigrant women in Central Alberta. The project targets immigrant women in the Red Deer, Ponoka, Olds and Lacombe area who face economic insecurity, and challenges to finding and sustaining employment.
“Through this project, we will partner and connect with service agencies, businesses and the local college to identify resources for immigrant women's employment and find ways to overcome barriers to their full participation,” said Ms. Halima Ali, Executive Director of CAIWA. “We will work with our partners and address the identified needs of women, who have so much to offer to their communities.”
As part of its Call for Proposals under the theme Women Living in Rural and Remote Communities and Small Urban Centres, the Government of Canada, through Status of Women Canada's Women's Program, has invested more than $14 million in 55 projects across the country. This project by CAIWA is one of the initiatives funded through that Call for Proposals, issued in 2011.
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:
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, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
