Harper Government Partners with the Students Commission of Canada to Address Violence against Women and Girls

SASKATOON, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Kelly Block, Member of Parliament (MP) for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, today announced support for a new project that will engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls in three Canadian cities.

"Our Government is committed to ending violence against women and girls in communities across Canada," said Minister Leitch. "That is why we are working with organizations such as the Students Commission of Canada to address this problem.  This project will identify the factors influencing violence against women and girls, and engage men and boys in responding to these issues in their communities."

"When it comes to violence against women and girls, everyone must be part of the solution" said MP Block. "By reaching out to young women and men and encouraging them to play a role in addressing this problem, this project will contribute to reducing gender-based violence across Canada."

The Students Commission of Canada is receiving $299,175 in funding for a 24-month project that will engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls across Canada, namely in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Toronto, Ontario; and Victoria, British Columbia. In partnership with stakeholders, participants will take part in training activities, develop a needs assessment, and conduct a gender-based analysis of the issues related to violence in women's lives.

"The Students Commission of Canada has been working with youth to reduce violence for several years now," said Ms. Stoney McCart, Executive Director. "This new funding from the Government of Canada will allow us to broaden our reach, engaging even more men and boys who will acquire the skills they need to eradicate violence against women and girls in their communities."

This project is being supported under Status of Women Canada's call for proposals, Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence against Women and Girls. It aligns with the specific theme of "Engaging men and boys in ending violence against women and girls."

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, supporting over 600 projects.

Since 2007, Status of Women Canada has invested more than $62 million in projects to end violence against women and girls.

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]
[email protected]

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