CALGARY, AB – 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 project in Calgary that will engage the local business community in increasing the economic security of immigrant women.
"Our government is focused on what matters to Canadians – jobs and economic growth," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this project, we are working to ensure that new Canadian women are able to contribute to, and reap the tremendous benefits of, our Canadian economy."
The Calgary Immigrant Women's Association is receiving $160,000to carry out its 24-month project, which will work to increase the economic security and prosperity of low-literacy immigrant women in Calgary by addressing their needs and the barriers they encounter at the individual, community and business levels. The project will engage local social service agencies and the business community to develop solutions that pave the way to meaningful employment.
"We are delighted to have the support of the Government of Canada for this important project, which will maximize opportunities for this high-potential group of immigrant and refugee women," said Jennifer Biernaskie, Interim President, Calgary Immigrant Women's Association. "With this federal funding, we will remove barriers to meaningful careers for these promising new Canadians.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls 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 annually, its highest level ever. Since 2007, through the Women's Program, more than $44 million has been approved for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
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