Mississauga, ON — On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East—Cooksville, today announced Government of Canada support to the Peel Children and Youth Initiative for a project that will promote economic security among young women in the City of Mississauga.
"Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada is committed to creating a strong economy for all Canadians, and women are key to Canada's economic success," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this project, we will empower more women to succeed and support their future economic security and prosperity."
"The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of women and girls in communities across Canada, and the Colonial Terrace neighbourhood is no exception," said Mr. Lizon. "The Peel Children and Youth Initiative will help strengthen prosperity for young women who might otherwise miss out on some opportunities for success."
The Peel Children and Youth Initiative is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 24-month project. The project will work with young women between 16 and 24 years of age living in Mississauga's Colonial Terrace neighbourhood. With the organization's guidance, young women will create an Advisory Committee to identify economic barriers they face, and develop strategies to move toward economic prosperity. The project's goal is to make lasting and positive economic changes for young women and their community.
"It is wonderful that the Government of Canada shares our belief in the tremendous potential of the girls and young women in Mississauga's Colonial Terrace neighbourhood," said Mr. Graham Clyne, Executive Director of the Peel Children and Youth Initiative. "With this funding, we can help facilitate opportunities to work together, create stronger chances for prosperity, and a brighter future for them, their families and their community."
The Government of Canada has approved more than $5.4 million to date in funding to organizations to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women. Successful projects were chosen following a Call for Proposals on the theme Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed, issued in June 2012.
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, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $44 million has been approved through the Women's Program for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
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