Creating new opportunities for disadvantaged women in the Québec area

QUÉBEC CITY, May 28 /CNW Telbec/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Sylvie Boucher, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Beauport-Limoilou, today announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will benefit disadvantaged women in the Québec City area. The investment in La fripe.com's 12-month project, En route vers le marché du travail (On the Road to Employment), will help improve women's economic security and open the door to their future prosperity.

"When we encourage women to improve their economic outlook and take on leadership roles in their communities, all Canadians benefit in the long run," Minister Ambrose said. "This project specifically targets disadvantaged women, many of them new immigrants, with the goal of providing them with the job skills they need to re-enter the paid labour force and improve their economic situation."

Funding for this project totalling $28,600 is allocated by the Government of Canada through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada. To qualify, projects must work to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

"This project will empower 45 disadvantaged women between the ages of 20 and 60 to improve their economic situation and participate more effectively in Canadian society. By providing these women with the basic technical training they need to secure employment as sales consultants, we are offering them a real chance for a better future," said Ms. Boucher.

"We are pleased to have the support of the Government of Canada for this project, which will provide disadvantaged women in the Québec City boroughs of Limoilou, Sainte-Foy/Sillery/Cap-Rouge and Des Rivières with training and internships that will prepare them to look for and find meaningful work," said Mr. Joël Lafrenière, President of La fripe.com. "After a year of training, all 45 women will have an occupation and be ready to participate in the labour market."

The Web site address for La fripe.com is http://pages.videotron.com/lafripe.

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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

For further information: Chris Hilton, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, [phone]; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, [phone]