GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS WOMEN IN WESTERN LABRADOR

LABRADOR CITY, NL, Oct. 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 to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of women in rural and remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"With the support of our government, many women experiencing socio-economic challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador will have the opportunity to develop key entrepreneurial skills," said Minister Ambrose. "This important project will encourage them to secure a better economic future and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families."

The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador will receive $65,700 for the 10-month Projet d'entrepreneuriat pour les femmes de l'Ouest du Labrador [Entrepreneurial Project for Women in Labrador West]. The project will engage 34 women in a series of seminars on entrepreneurship, business plan development, setting up web sites, e-business, markets and marketing strategies and business management.

"We are very pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this exciting new project, which will help francophone and anglophone women in our mining district to realize their potential through entrepreneurship or a personal project," said Mr. Cyr Couturier, President of the Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. "The participants will learn how to start a business, network with other entrepreneurs and establish strategic links, so that they can improve their quality of life and the general well-being of their community."

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 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.

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