Harper Government Supporting Projects to End Violence against First Nations Women and Girls

NEMASKA, QC, Nov. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project to prevent and reduce violence against First Nations women and girls.  The project will take place in neighbourhoods in the communities of Mistissini, Chisasibi, and Whapmagoostui, which are located in the James Bay area of Northern Quebec.

"Our Government is committed to creating safe streets and safe homes in every sector of our society," said Minister Lebel. "By engaging women and girls, along with men and boys, in making their communities safer, this project will strengthen and empower the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, and Whapmagoostui, each of which has faced serious issues concerning violence against women."

"Our Government is committed to protecting women and girls from violence, and holding offenders accountable for their actions," said Minister Leitch. "That is why we are supporting community-based projects across Canada that address gender-based violence."  The Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association is receiving $195,000 from the Government of Canada for a project to engage Aboriginal women, girls, men and boys, as well as members of key partner agencies such as the Cree Men of Eeyou Istchee, in preventing and reducing gender-based violence in the James Bay area of Northern Quebec.  Participants will undertake gender-based and gap analyses through public forums, on-line surveys, and hosting school-based focus groups.

"Violence against women and girls is a complex issue in any community," said Ms. Virginia Wabano, President, Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association. "We are very pleased to have support for this project, which engages a range of community members and key stakeholders across three First Nations in tackling the issues and finding solutions."

The Harper Government is supporting this project through Status of Women Canada's call for proposals, Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence Against Women and Girls. 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 that time, over $62 million dollars in funding has been approved for projects to end violence against women and girls.

From November 25, 2013 until December 10, 2013, the Government of Canada is marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This includes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, and International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2013.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. 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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