KAMLOOPS, BC, Jan. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, Ms. Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo, today announced Government of Canada support to White Buffalo Aboriginal and Métis Health Society for a project that will promote economic security and prosperity among young urban Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women.
"Through this project, young people will have the opportunity to develop their skills and take on new opportunities in their communities and throughout all sectors of the Canadian economy," said Minister Ambrose. "With support from the Government of Canada, these young women, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, are overcoming barriers to economic security and prosperity."
"The Government of Canada recognizes the enormous potential of girls and young women to succeed as individuals and to boost the economies of our communities and our country," said Ms. McLeod. "This exciting new project will open the door to economic opportunity and fulfilment for its participants - young urban First Nations and Métis women as well as non-Aboriginal young women facing multiple barriers - who will help guide their communities toward a better quality of life and a brighter future."
The Government of Canada has approved over $4.8 million to date in funding to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women. Successful projects were chosen following a Call for Proposals on the theme Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed, issued in June 2012.
White Buffalo Aboriginal and Métis Health Society is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 24-month economic security project. The organization will establish working groups to provide the young women participants with leadership training and mentoring support. The working groups will lead engagement sessions with community stakeholders, raise awareness of harmful stereotypes and barriers to opportunity, and promote girls' and women's prosperity.
"We are delighted to have the Government of Canada's support for this groundbreaking project, which will help promising young women overcome barriers and become active participants in their own lives, the lives of their families, and in their community," said Dr. Deborah Canada, Executive Director of the White Buffalo Aboriginal and Métis Health Society.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls 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, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, more than $44 million in funding has been approved for projects that promote women's economic security.
In addition to the funding from Status of Women Canada, White Buffalo Aboriginal and Métis Health Society is also receiving over $47,000 from the Skills Link program of Human Resource and Skills Development Canada to help Aboriginal youth overcome barriers to employment. Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
Participants in this project will attend workshops on such topics as conflict resolution and effective communication, to prepare them to enter the workforce. Participants will also gain hands-on experience through job placements with local employers.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.
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