GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AMONG WOMEN IN QUEBEC

ST-JÉRÔME, QC, Sept. 21 /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 that encourages women in the Laurentian region of Quebec to take on more active decision-making roles in their communities.

"Our Government wants to see women from all communities and all backgrounds stepping up to the challenge of leadership and decision-making, helping communities and Canada prosper," said Minister Ambrose. "Through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada, our Government's support for projects has nearly doubled since 2006. We believe that when Canadian women are economically secure, physically safe and helping to lead our nation, our country thrives."

Minister Ambrose announced that the Réseau des femmes des Laurentides (RFL) is receiving $129,595 through the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program, Status of Women Canada, for its project, entitled Citoyennes, faites vos marques! [Women Citizens, leave your mark!].

To qualify for funding under the Women's Program, projects must work to promote equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

"Through this project, women from across the Laurentian region will learn to participate in decision-making bodies and set up women's committees in their municipalities," said Ms. Marie Turcotte, President of the RFL. "The project will also reach out to women living in remote and rural areas, including Aboriginal and immigrant women, so they can acquire the skills they need to become more active, as citizens."

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.

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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	Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director of Communications	Director General, Communications and
Office of the Minister of Public Works and	Strategic Planning
Government Services and	Status of Women Canada
Minister for Status of Women	613-995-7839
613-301-5215