Strong Women Mean a Strong Canada: Guergis

REGINA, Feb. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada is supporting new projects that will help to improve the lives of women and their families across Saskatchewan, the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), announced today.

"A healthy economy remains our government's top priority," Minister Guergis said. "All Canadians benefit when women are economically secure, physically safe and showing leadership across the country. That's why our Government is investing in Saskatchewan organizations that work to advance women's and girls' economic security, to put an end to violence against Aboriginal women and girls, and to encourage women's leadership."

The following four organizations are receiving a total of $492,275 through the Women's Community Fund grants of Status of Women Canada:

    
    - $200,000 to the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and
      Services of Saskatchewan for its project, Modeling and Mentoring:
      Creating the Supportive and Effective Relationships that Lead to Non-
      Violent Communities;

    - $165,353 to Saskatchewan Towards Offering Partnership Solutions (STOPS)
      to Violence for its project, The Community Connections Plan Phase 2: A
      Consistent, Coordinated, Effective Response to Violence and Abuse;

    - $86,022 to La Ronge Native Women's Council for its project, Piwapan
      Sexual Assault Program; and

    - $40,900 to Daughters of Africa International for its project, African
      Women in the Community.
    

"Over the past year, our Government has listened to the concerns of groups and individuals across the country," said Minister Guergis. "As a result of these consultations, we have delivered funding for a national shelter network, supported the introduction of a bill to address human trafficking and helped to support community programs."

"Our 24-month project addresses the priority issue of ending violence against women - a goal the Government of Canada shares wholeheartedly," said Ms. Bev Duncan , board member of STOPS to Violence. "We are using an innovative approach to address gender-based violence in a remote, northern community with a primarily Aboriginal population, assisting them in developing a customized, coordinated, community-based response."

Support for all of the above projects comes from funding that is allocated to the Women's Community Fund by the Government of Canada . To qualify for funding, each project must work to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada .

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada , go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information: Emily Goucher, Senior Special Assistant, Communications, Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women), [phone]; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, [phone]