Harper Government Supports Leadership Project For Young Women in Northern British Columbia

PRINCE GEORGE, BC, Aug. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Member of Parliament Bob Zimmer, (Prince George - Peace River), on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that will promote leadership among young women in northern British Columbia (B.C.).

"Our government is committed to the advancement of women in leadership and decision-making roles across Canada," said Minister Leitch. "We continue to support projects that give young women the important skills they need to contribute their talents fully to Canadian society."

"There is enormous potential among the young women of northern B.C.," said Mr. Zimmer. "This project by the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George will provide invaluable support to the women and girls of this region and will help them to grow as leaders within their own communities."

The Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George is receiving $200,000 in Government of Canada funding for a 24-month project that will work to increase the leadership skills of culturally diverse young women aged 16-24 in remote areas of northern B.C., including Prince George, Burns Lake and MacKenzie. With the support of an advisory committee, young women will lead and implement community-based activities to respond to identified barriers to their community participation and leadership.

"This Government of Canada funding will allow us to serve as a centre of leadership expertise for young women in northern B.C.," said Ms. Baljit Sethi, Executive Director of the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George. "The support that we provide will give these young women the skills they need for lifelong success."

This project is being supported under Status of Women Canada's Call for Proposals, Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed. The Government of Canada has approved more than $5.9 million in funding under this call for projects that promote leadership and 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. The government's support through Status of Women Canada for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2007, supporting over 600 projects.

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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