Harper Government joins International Women's Day Celebrations at Ottawa's Chinese Community Services Centre

OTTAWA, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Government of Canada and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Minister of State Alice Wong today joined International Women's Day celebrations at Ottawa's Chinese Community Services Centre. Canada's 2013 theme is Working Together: Engaging Men to End Violence against Women.

"The Harper Government is committed to eliminating violence against women and girls," said Minister Ambrose. "Our government has been working with communities to improve the safety and security of women - funding hundreds of projects across Canada to end violence against women and girls."

International Women's Week takes place this year from March 3 to 9, with International Women's Day on March 8. Canada's theme this year reflects the reality that far too many women and girls face violence, or the threat of violence, in their daily lives and everyone must be part of the solution to ending it.

"I am pleased to join with everyone celebrating International Women's Day at Ottawa's Chinese Community Services Centre. As we recognize the tremendous contributions of women and girls to our families and communities, let us also recommit to their safety and security as key elements of their success and prosperity," said Minister of State Wong.

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, close to $57 million dollars in funding has been approved for projects to end violence against women and girls.

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

For further information on International Women's Day and International Women's Week, please visit the Status of Women Canada web site at http://www.iwd.gc.ca.