MONTRÉAL, QC – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Judith Seidman, Senator for De la Durantaye, Quebec, announced Government of Canada support for a project that will help Montréal women from diverse backgrounds to gain invaluable leadership skills and experience.
"Our government remains focused on strengthening our economy by supporting job creation, growth and prosperity for all Canadians. To do this, we are supporting programs that create opportunities for more leadership positions for women," said Minister Ambrose.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support grassroots projects like this that will strengthen the voices of women in leadership roles," said Senator Seidman. "The participants, who are from socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious minorities, have so much to contribute, and we look forward to seeing the benefits that result from their talent, skills and ideas."
Centre de Ressources de la Troisième Avenue [Third Avenue Resource Centre] is receiving $120,000 from the Government of Canada for a 24-month project, Un rôle citoyen dans les écoles publiques montréalaises : des femmes guident le changement [A Civic Role in Montréal Public Schools: Women Leading Change].Montréal women from diverse cultural backgrounds will gain leadership skills by working with mentors who will help them take action and become active participants in the lives of their children in school and in the community.
"We are very pleased the Government of Canada has supported this innovative project – a truly grass-roots initiative to get women involved in leadership roles," said Ms. Danielle Landry of the Centre de Ressources de la Troisième Avenue. "This project reaches out to women whose voices may not otherwise be heard, resulting in real and positive change for their families and communities."
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
