GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN ONTARIO

TORONTO, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Sylvie Boucher, Member of Parliament (Beauport-Limoilou) and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for two projects that will benefit French-speaking immigrant women in Toronto and other communities throughout Ontario.

"With this new funding, these women will have a chance for a stronger voice at decision-making tables and a more prosperous life in Canada," said Minister Ambrose.

"These promising new projects have the potential to significantly improve support and services to francophone immigrant women in Toronto and the local region," said Ms. Boucher. "With our government's assistance, these French-speaking women will be empowered to launch their own small businesses and to participate in important decision-making roles."

• Mouvement ontarien des femmes immigrantes francophones (MOFIF) will receive $130,471 for its project, Viser haut [Aim Higher]; and
• Oasis Centre des femmes will receive $213,642 for its project, Développement d'un pôle économique pour les femmes immigrantes en minorité linguistique [Developing an Economic Hub for Linguistic Minority Immigrant Women].

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this project, which will ensure that francophone immigrant women from various cultures can become active participants in decision-making and contribute to the well-being of their communities," said Ms. Viviane Koné, Provincial Coordinator of MOFIF.

"This project will break the cycle of disempowerment and financial dependence that hinders the development and full integration of minority francophone immigrant women in the Greater Toronto Area," said Ms. Catherine Quintal, Project Coordinator, Oasis Centre des femmes.

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. For more information about Status of Women Canada programs, visit www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

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For further information:

Rebecca Thompson Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Public Works and          Government Services and Minister for Status of Women 613-301-5215

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