Government of Canada supports Peterborough women's leadership groups

PETERBOROUGH, ON, Aug. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament (Peterborough) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced Government of Canada support for two new projects to help young women with intellectual disabilities and women who have faced violence in the Peterborough area.

"As Minister for Status of Women, I am proud that our government is working to help all women and girls improve their quality of life," said Minister Ambrose. "Through the Women's Program, we continue to deliver concrete results for women throughout Canada's diverse communities. Our government believes that when Canadian women are economically secure, physically safe and helping to lead our nation, our country thrives."

Mr. Del Mastro announced that the following organizations are receiving a total of $135,550 through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada:

    
    -  $72,954 to Community Opportunity and Innovation Network (COIN) for its
       project Women Leading, Women Learning, Women Working; and
    -  $62,596 will go to Community Living Peterborough for its project Young
       Women's Leadership Group.
    

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.

"Both COIN and Community Living Peterborough epitomize the kind spirit of the people of Peterborough, reaching out with a hand up for those in need," said Mr. Del Mastro. "Through these innovative and forward-looking projects, women will be empowered to become leaders, to access the tools they need for success and to create better lives for themselves, their families and our community."

"Through this 12-month project, 120 women who have faced domestic abuse will access a stable support network as they take steps toward financial independence and violence-free lives, for themselves and their children," said Ms. Linda Slavin, General Manager of COIN. "Six organizations serving women in the Peterborough area will collaborate to create a community network of holistic supports to victimized women. The women who will benefit include immigrant women, Aboriginal women, criminalized women, women leaving abuse, women victims of sexual violence and women experiencing homelessness."

"Over a 24-month period, our project will train 10 young women living with intellectual disabilities to become leaders and mentors to other women living with similar circumstances," said Ms. Barb Hiland, Director of Operations, Community Living Peterborough. "The training will include a workshop series focusing on such areas as leadership and group facilitation skills, being a mentor, developing presentations, inclusiveness, tools for independent living and women's rights."

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