GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS KINGSTON-AREA WOMEN

KINGSTON, ON, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - 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 project to encourage women - specifically, mothers - in the Kingston area to engage in leadership roles, both within their families and their communities.

"With the support of our government, many women in the Kingston area will be empowered to become engaged community leaders," said Minister Ambrose. "This important project will enable participants to learn valuable skills while improving the quality of life for themselves, their families and their communities."

Girls Incorporated of Limestone, Algonquin and Lakeshore (Girls Inc. Limestone) will receive $73,712 for their project, Girls Inc. Mother's Network. The 18-month project will provide 40 women - mostly single mothers - with the tools they need to reach their full potential as parents and to identify and overcome barriers to their participation as leaders in their community.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this important new project, through which women will attend peer-led workshops, gaining the tools, best practices and strategies they need for better parenting, financial management and community engagement," said Ms. Lindsey Belch, Executive Director of Girls Inc. Limestone. "By the end of the project, many of the women will have developed personal action plans that will help them identify and overcome barriers to community participation, and take steps toward long-term employment."

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. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community projects like this 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