CANADA'S MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STATUS OF WOMEN SUPPORTS NUNAVUT WOMEN

IQALUIT, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Status of Women Canada today recognized the leadership being shown among Nunavut's women community leaders, who are making a difference in the lives women and girls across the region.

Minister Ambrose finalized two days of meetings and events, in which she met with organizations supporting homelessness, violence against women, and women entrepreneurship. The Minister also had the opportunity to meet with leaders at the Arnait Nipingit Women's Leadership Summit.

"The women I have met with over the last two days have offered an amazing example of leadership," said Minister Ambrose. "Whether it was women working in government, business, or volunteering in community initiatives, there are many inspiring stories of women working in the face of adversity to make a difference."

To better understand the issue of homelessness in Iqaluit, Minister Ambrose joined the Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut, and the Honourable Sandy Lee, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Government of the Northwest Territories, to visit the Qimaavik House shelter. Minister Ambrose also visited with directors and project staff from the YWCA Agvvik Nunavut, to learn about the success of the three-year Northern Extension Project, which received $1.5 million in federal funding to develop and test new approaches and programs to address violence against women, and provide support services for affected women.

Minister Ambrose had the opportunity to attend a community event held at Nakasuk Elementary School in Iqaluit. She also joined the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, to announce $624,000 in federal funding for the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, which over the next three years will help support Nunavut's artists in showcasing their work in new markets.

Finally, during a roundtable, Minister Ambrose met with local women business owners to listen to success stories and obstacles of running businesses in the north.

"Although women in the North face unique challenges, they have proven that through leadership, innovation, determination, and team work, women can achieve goals not only for themselves but also for the communities they live in," concluded Minister Ambrose.

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

For further information:

Rebecca Thompson Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Public Works and     Government Services and Minister for Status of Women 613-956-9549

Nanci-Jean Waugh Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning Status of Women Canada 613-995-7839