OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today called on Canadians to join the worldwide 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to reducing and preventing trafficking of women and girls.
"Our Government recognizes the need for Canadians to come together and take action that reduces and prevents the incidence of trafficking of women and girls," said Minister Ambrose. "That is why our Government recently launched a National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. With participation from multiple federal departments, this comprehensive blueprint will guide the Government's fight against the serious crime of human trafficking. It is another important step to ensure the safety and security of women and girls across Canada."
In support of the Government's National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Status of Women Canada recently issued a Call for Proposals to increase opportunities for community agencies to better assist women and girls addressing the specific issue of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
Research shows that this form of trafficking mostly affects women and girls as victims in Canada. The forms of abuse and risk associated with trafficking include physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, social manipulation, economic exploitation, legal insecurity, and abusive working and living conditions. The Government's recent Call for Proposals through Status of Women Canada will support community action plans that help reduce and prevent trafficking of women and girls, and address the root causes of sexual exploitation.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence commence on November 25, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and conclude on December 10 with International Human Rights Day. The campaign also observes significant dates such as December 6, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $54 million in funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
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Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
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For all other inquiries, contact:
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Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.women.gc.ca.
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