Harper Government Announces Support to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls in Northern Alberta

EDMONTON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Harper Government support for a new project that will tackle violence against women and girls in an Aboriginal community in Northern Alberta. The Minister was joined by the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre.

"The Harper Government is committed to ending violence against women and girls in communities across Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "I am pleased that we are supporting this new project to ensure the safety and security of aboriginal girls in Northern Alberta."

The Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities is receiving $200,000 in funding for a 24-month project that will work to end violence against First Nations girls aged 8 to 14 in the Wabasca-Desmarais community of Northern Alberta. A community steering committee with representatives from the Bigstone Cree Nation Women's Shelter, Bigstone Community School, Bigstone Cree Nation Family and Children Services and the RCMP will guide and oversee the project.

"We are working with community organizations across the country to end violence against women and girls and its destructive impact on our communities,"said Mr. Hawn. "This project establishes a community steering committee and implements a strategy to address the particular factors and conditions that lead to violence against local First Nations women and girls."

"It is important to do all we can to ensure our community is welcoming, caring and safe for everyone," said Ron Taylor, Board Chair for the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities. "We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project to engage community partners, bring about long-lasting behavioural change, and decrease violence against women and girls."

The Harper Government 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, supporting over 600 projects.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:            
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General
Communications and
Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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