Government of Canada supports leadership project for immigrant women in
Edmonton

EDMONTON, Aug. 18 /CNW/ -On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament (Edmonton East), today announced Government of Canada support for a new project to help immigrant and refugee women overcome barriers and build leadership skills.

"Our Government is committed to be helping women across Canada through effective programming at the community level," said Minister Ambrose. "I am proud that we are working with women's organizations to promote the full participation of immigrant women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada."

Mr. Goldring announced that the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers is receiving $167,236 through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada for its project, entitled Immigrant Women Claiming their Future: Building Capacity through the Sustainable Livelihood Model.

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.

"The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers exemplifies the generous spirit and deep sense of community that Edmontonians and Albertans value so highly," said Mr. Goldring. "Through this project, immigrant and refugee women and girls will be empowered to become leaders, to access the tools they need for success, and to create better lives for themselves and their families in their adopted country."

"Many women who are newcomers find themselves isolated and unaware of the supports available to them. Settlement agencies like EMCN offer invaluable services, and the challenge for these women is to connect with programs that best meet their needs," said Ms. Kelly Sloan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. "Our 18-month project provides the missing link among programs by focusing on family dynamics, asset mapping and leadership. As a result, participants will learn to recognize and apply their strengths, as potential leaders in their new communities."

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:

Jonah Mozeson 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