GOVERNMENT OF CANADA EMPOWERS VANCOUVER WOMEN TO "LEAD THE WAY"

VANCOUVER, Aug. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that encourages Vancouver women and girls to take on the challenge of leadership and decision-making roles.

"I am proud that our Government has increased funding for Canadian women to its highest level ever," said Minister Ambrose. "We are committed to helping women get more involved in politics and economics, and encouraging them to assume leadership and decision-making roles to empower themselves and contribute to society, as a whole."

Minister Ambrose announced that the Minerva Foundation for B.C. Women is receiving $367,529 for its Women Leading the Way Project. The Government of Canada allocated funding for this project through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada. To qualify, projects must work to promote equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada. Through Status of Women Canada, the Government of Canada's support for community projects like this has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8M to $19M, its highest level ever.

"This 36-month project focuses on four specific areas of leadership: awareness of self and others; mentorship; leadership skills development; and governance in the political, economic and social change arenas through hands-on experience," said Ms. Eleanor Guerrero Campbell, Executive Director of the Minerva Foundation for B.C. Women. "Through this project, we will build leadership capacity and skills among women, we will facilitate strategic partnerships for women, and we will look at how women lead change, as a way of learning from their examples."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like this because they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening our families, our communities and our country.

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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, 819-956-9549; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, 613-995-7839