Government of Canada supports immigrant and new Canadian women in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, Aug. 31 /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 new project addressing economic security for immigrant and new Canadian women in British Columbia's Lower Mainland region.

"Our Government is committed to working with community organizations to address the obstacles faced by immigrant and new Canadian women," said Minister Ambrose. "Together, we are working to ensure that these women have the support networks and resources they need to fulfill their dreams and participate fully in Canadian society."

Minister Ambrose announced that the New Hope Community Services Society is receiving $144,990 through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada for its project, entitled Woman to Woman: Empowering Refugee and Immigrant Women to Stand Strong in Canada through Mentoring. 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.

"Our project will reduce the isolation of refugee and new immigrant women who live in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia," said Dr. Jack Taylor, President, New Hope Community Services Society. "Along with addressing issues of isolation, the project also deals with other concerns of newcomer women, particularly mothers and single mothers, including lack of information and life skills. Participants will be matched with a mentor, who will assist them to gain the skills and the knowledge of Canadian systems they need to establish themselves economically and socially."

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

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: Rebecca Thompson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, 613-799-1609; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, 613-995-7839