SAINT JOHN, NB, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, today announced Government of Canada support to the Saint John Volunteer Centre Inc. for a project that will promote leadership and board participation among young women from the local community.
"Our government is committed to the advancement of women in leadership roles throughout our country," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this project, the Saint John Volunteer Centre will help girls and young women gain important leadership skills."
"The Government of Canada believes girls and young women have tremendous abilities to create real and lasting change in their communities," said Mr. Weston. "The Saint John Volunteer Centre Inc. has designed an outstanding project that will develop young women's talents, interests and capacity to make lasting contributions to society."
The Government of Canada has approved more than $5.4 million to date in funding to organizations to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women. Successful projects were chosen following a Call for Proposals on the theme, Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed, issued in June 2012.
The Saint John Volunteer Centre Inc. is receiving $55,004 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 18-month leadership project in Saint John. The project will identify barriers to young women's participation in leadership roles, particularly membership on boards of directors of community organizations. Project participants will receive training on leadership, governance and committee procedures as well as opportunities for mentorship and internship on a community board.
"Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, we are looking forward to seeing this project produce real results for these promising young women, as well as for their communities," said Ms. Eileen McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Saint John Volunteer Centre Inc. "Saint John will benefit greatly as more and more confident and capable young women step up to the challenges and opportunities of participation on community boards."
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls 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, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, more than $21 million in funding has been approved for projects that promote women's leadership and democratic participation.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
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Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
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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.
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