Government of Canada Support Strengthens Safety and Prosperity for Young Women in the Outaouais

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence that began on Sunday, November 25, and on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator (La Salle), today announced Government of Canada support for a project that addresses prosperity and safety for women in the city of Gatineau and the Outaouais region of Quebec.

"The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence remind us that many women and girls face violence and the threat of violence on a daily basis," said Minister Ambrose. "With the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 remaining focused on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians, we are proud to support this project, which takes targeted actions to help women be safer, more secure and more economically successful."

"The Government of Canada is continuing to work to improve the lives of women and girls in Canada," said Senator Boisvenu. "By supporting this project, the government is helping young women to be empowered, so they are safe, ready and able to step through the doors of opportunity, and seize the day."

L'Antre-Hulloise is receiving $288,095 in Government of Canada funding for its project Prévenir, c'est agir ! [Prevention is Taking Action]. This groundbreaking 24-month project targets young women aged 16 to 29 who are currently or at risk of experiencing domestic violence. The project's major activities include awareness workshops and prevention training for women, as well as a training program for those delivering services to them, to bring them up to date on resources available for addressing domestic violence.

"The experience of domestic abuse is a tremendous barrier to women's full participation in society and to their economic independence," said Ms. Constance Allain, Director of l'Antre-Hulloise. "Through awareness and prevention workshops, l'Antre-Hulloise will help young women gain the skills, including social and life skills, they need to escape victimization and achieve their life goals."

The Government of Canada is acting on its commitment to end violence against women and girls in communities across Canada. With new amendments now enacted into law, the Safe Streets and Communities Act is better protecting children and youth from sexual predators, and has eliminated the option of house arrest for those who have committed serious crimes, including sexual assault. The Act no longer considers pardons for such offences.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $54 million in funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.

 

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:            

Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General
Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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