OTTAWA, June 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Harper Government support for a new project to combat the trafficking of women and girls in Ottawa.
"The Harper Government is committed to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls," said Minister Ambrose. "With this project, we are taking another important step to ensure the safety and security of women and girls across Canada who are being targeted for sexual exploitation by violent traffickers."
Persons Against the Crime of Trafficking in Humans (PACT) Ottawa is receiving $200,000 in funding for a 24-month project in Ottawa that will target girls and young women in high-risk neighbourhoods who are, or may be vulnerable to human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. A project advisory committee will include local girls and women as well as key community partners including the Ottawa Police Service, Crime Prevention Ottawa, and St. Joe's Women's Centre.
"Our organization is committed to ending the victimization of women and girls that results from the crime of human trafficking," said Ms. Christina Harrison Baird, Director of Project imPACT for PACT-Ottawa. "We are pleased to partner with Status of Women Canada and local agencies on this timely project, which will focus on vulnerable girls and young women from varied socio-economic backgrounds."
This project is being supported under Status of Women Canada's recent Call for Proposals entitled Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence against Women and Girls. It aligns with the specific theme of Preventing and Reducing Violence the Trafficking of Women and Girls through Community Planning.
The Harper Government 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 for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, reaching its highest level ever, supporting over 600 projects.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only:
Michael Bolkenius
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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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca
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