Harper Government Supports Action in Edmonton to End Violence Committed in the Name of So-Called "Honour"

EDMONTON, April 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced support to the Indo-Canadian Women's Association for a project in Edmonton to address the issue of violence against women and girls committed in the name of so-called "honour."

"Our government is committed to protecting women, girls and other vulnerable persons from all forms of violence, and to holding offenders accountable for their acts," said Minister Ambrose. "I commend the Indo-Canadian Women's Association for addressing acts of violence committed in the name of so-called "honour" with their new project."

The Indo-Canadian Women's Association is receiving $199,962 for a 24-month project to identify strategies for addressing violence committed in the name of so-called "honour." The target population is women and girls from diverse ethno-cultural groups living in Edmonton. The project will engage community members, ethno-cultural agencies and mainstream service providers to develop collaborative strategies to address this type of violence.

"The Indo-Canadian Women's Association is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls" said Ms. Miriam Thomas, President, Indo-Canadian Women's Association. "We are very pleased to partner with Status of Women Canada on this project, which will develop valuable strategies for addressing cultural practices that violate the human rights and dignity of girls and women in our community."

The Harper Government has made its position clear on the topic of violence committed in the name of so-called "honour" by condemning the practice in the new Citizenship Guide, and being the first to provide funding specifically for immigrant women's organizations across the country to address this highly complex issue. This funding is supporting projects like the Indo Canadian Women's Association's previous project Elimination of Harmful Cultural Practices: A Community-Centred Approach for Education and Action and the Shield of Athena Family Services project Contributing to the Prevention of Honour Crimes and Violence against Women and Girls: Developing a Community Screening, Information and Training Strategy.

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. The government's support through Status of Women Canada 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, over $59 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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