GOVERNMENT OF CANADA EMPOWERS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

WELLINGTON, PE, Dec. 6 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that will address the priority issue of women's participation in leadership and decision-making.

"Our government is proud of the contributions women are making to their communities and to the economy in Atlantic Canada. By encouraging them to participate as leaders and decision-makers, we are ensuring that women's voices are heard throughout the region and in all parts of the country," said Minister Ambrose. "Today, on the solemn 21^st anniversary of the Montréal Massacre, we are proud to support ground-breaking projects like this one that empower girls and women."

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  (For further information, please visit the Status of Women Canada web site at www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.)

"Our government believes in empowering girls and women to participate in every aspect of the democratic process," said Minister Shea. "This project will offer girls and women from all parts of Atlantic Canada the chance to expand their horizons and become the community leaders and decision-makers of the future."

The Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities is receiving $300,000 for the three-year project entitled Building Leadership Capacity Among Women and Girls in Atlantic Canada. This project will enhance the leadership abilities of 265 women who have been identified as leaders in their communities. In turn, the women will work to overcome barriers to engagement in local decision-making processes.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this innovative project, which will gather women and girls with leadership capacity from across Atlantic Canada," said Dr. Barbara Clow, President of the Board of the Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities. "Through a series of skill-building workshops, participants will prepare to lead multi-strategy approaches to increase women's representation in decision-making fora."

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. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to $19 million, its highest level ever.

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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 819 997-5421

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