TORONTO, March 18, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the Honourable Senator Don Meredith today announced Government of Canada support to La Passerelle - Intégration et Développement Économique for a project in Toronto that will promote leadership among young visible minority francophone women.
"Our Government is committed to the advancement of women in leadership roles throughout our country," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this project, young visible minority francophone women will gain important leadership skills to help them become the leaders of tomorrow."
"La Passerelle - Intégration et Développement Économique has designed an outstanding project that will foster the talents, interests and capacity of young Canadian women," said Senator Meredith. "The Government of Canada strongly supports programming that assists youth in making significant and 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.
La Passerelle - Intégration et Développement Économique is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Government of Canada for its 24-month leadership project in Toronto. The project will target young visible minority francophone women aged 18 to 24 who are either immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants.
These young women will establish an advisory committee of youth and partners such as the Toronto Youth Cabinet, local school boards and community organizations. Participants will be mentored by elected officials to help them identify and overcome barriers to civic participation at various levels.
"With the Government of Canada's support, this project will produce real results for these promising young francophone women, as well as for our community," said Ms. Léonie Tchatat, Executive Director, La Passerelle - Intégration et Développement Économique. "Toronto will benefit greatly as more and more confident and capable young women from diverse backgrounds are empowered to meet the challenges and opportunities of leadership at the municipal level and in the education system."
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
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