Harper Government Increases Leadership Opportunities for Young Women in Montreal

MONTREAL, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will strengthen leadership opportunities for young women and girls in Montreal.

"Our Government is focused on what matters to Canadians - creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Leitch. "Women are key to Canada's economic success, and we are committed to increasing leadership opportunities for Canadian women."

Breast Cancer Action Montreal is receiving $186,220 in funding from the Government of Canada for a 24-month project to address barriers to participating in civic and community life facing girls and young women  from diverse communities in Montreal. In partnership with community organizations, young women will be trained to lead and engage girls and stakeholders in the development of girl-led projects. Participants will then implement priority actions in their respective communities in partnership with local stakeholders.

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to create real leadership opportunities for young women and girls in Montreal," said Rosanne Cohen, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action Montreal. "We strongly believe in working together to help young women and girls succeed right here in our own community."

This project is being supported through the Government of Canada's Call for Proposals entitled Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed issued in 2012. Under this Call for Proposals, more than $5.9 million in funding has been approved to date through Status of Women Canada for organizations to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, federal support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada. Since 2007, more than $21 million has been approved for projects that promote women in leadership and decision-making roles.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:
Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: [phone]

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.