GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS WOMEN FACING VIOLENCE IN TORONTO

TORONTO, Nov. 12 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Ms. Lois Brown, Member of Parliament (Newmarket-Aurora), today announced Government of Canada support for a mentorship project that will help women experiencing violence to protect themselves, secure their future and participate in leadership roles.

"Our government is committed to eliminating violence against women and girls in all communities across Canada. I am proud that our government, through Status of Women Canada, has increased funding for important initiatives like this to its highest levels ever," said Minister Ambrose. "We are committed to supporting action-on-the-ground projects dedicated to encouraging and supporting women and girls to improve their lives.

"This promising new project will not only provide important mentorship for women, it will also send a message to the larger community that violence against women will not be tolerated," said Ms. Brown. "With our government's assistance, this project will help women remove themselves from violent environments and seek better lives for themselves and their children."

Catholic Family Services of Toronto will receive $185,030 for its three-year project, Women Helping Women, which will focus on supporting women to end violence in their lives, improve their economic and social conditions and take on leadership roles in their community.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this project, which will provide a pool of trained volunteers to act as mentors for women experiencing violence," said Mr. Stephen Mills, President of the Board of Directors, Catholic Family Services of Toronto. "Mentors will help these women navigate the court and Legal Aid systems, interact effectively with lawyers and secure the supports they need to finally lead safe, fulfilling lives."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like this one 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 support for projects like these 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.

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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