April 8, 2013
WESTLOCK, AB – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Brian Storseth, Member of Parliament (Westlock – St.Paul) today announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will engage community partners to respond to relationship abuse and family violence by enhancing and improving access to services and resources in north-central Alberta.
"The Government of Canada is taking action to eliminate violence against women and girls in all its forms, in all communities," said Minister Ambrose. "Our government has been working with community organizations across the country to reduce the rates of violence against women and girls in high-risk neighbourhoods."
"I am pleased to announce that we are supporting this new project to ensure the safety and security of women and girls in the Athabasca, Barrhead and Westlock areas," said MP Brian Storseth. "Through the work and collaboration of community partners, the project we are announcing today will implement strategies to address the issue of violence against women and girls."
Healthy Families Healthy Futures Society is receiving $168, 313 in support for a 24-month project that will develop community and workplace protocols to remove barriers to accessing services and supports by engaging agencies, community partners and local businesses to increase their capacity to respond to relationship abuse and family violence.
"Our organization is committed to providing services to vulnerable people and families in north-central Alberta," said Linda West, Executive Director of the Healthy Families Healthy Futures Society. "We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to work with local stakeholders in creating strategies and tools necessary to prevent relationship violence and ensure better services for women in our communities."
This project is being supported under Status of Women Canada's recent Call for Proposals Working Together: Engaging communities to end violence against women and girls. It aligns with the specific theme of preventing and reducing violence against women and girls in high-risk neighbourhoods.
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. Since 2007, over $59 million dollars in funding has been approved for projects to end violence against women and girls.
- 30 -
For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
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
