GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS SAFETY FOR WOMEN IN NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

YELLOWKNIFE, Nov. 3 /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 address violence against women in isolated Northwest Territory communities where no RCMP assistance is available.

"With the support of our government, women in remote communities in the Northwest Territories will be empowered to protect themselves from violence, while addressing the broader issue in their communities," said Minister Ambrose. "This important project will improve the safety and security of participants and enhance their quality of life and that of their families."

The Young Women's Christian Association of Yellowknife, NWT (YWCA) will receive $266,714 for their project, Increasing Safety for Women in Northwest Territories Communities. The three-year project will develop and pilot safety options for women, many of whom are Aboriginal, experiencing intimate partner violence in 11 isolated communities with no local RCMP detachment.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this important new project, which will facilitate collaboration with women and community groups in the most isolated NWT communities to develop safety options for women and children fleeing violence," said Ms. Yasemin Heyck, President of the YWCA of Yellowknife. "By the end of the project, women experiencing domestic violence will have greater access to safety and support and increased awareness of services and strategies available to address violence."

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