EDMONTON, Oct. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today launched celebrations in Edmonton in advance of the first-ever International Day of the Girl, which takes place on October 11. Canada played a leadership role among member states to have the day proclaimed by the United Nations. October is also Women's History Month in Canada. This year's theme is Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start."
"I am thrilled to be here in Edmonton to celebrate both the upcoming first annual International Day of the Girl and Women's History Month, which honours Canadian girls and their historic contributions to our country," said Minister Ambrose. "Our government recognizes the enormous potential of girls and young women. That is why we are supporting projects right here in Edmonton that will help girls become leaders in their communities."
The Minister made her comments at an International Day of the Girl conference in Edmonton. The conference, which was hosted and organized by girls from schools across Alberta, was attended by 1,700 local students, with another 3,000 to 5,000 following online.
Minister Ambrose participated in another International Day of the Girl event with Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) President Karen Leibovici. The event at Edmonton City Hall highlighted FCM's Protégé project to encourage young women's participation in leadership roles in municipal politics. The mentorship project receives federal support through Status of Women Canada.
Minister Ambrose also took the opportunity to announce two projects in Edmonton that will receive funding under the Government of Canada's recent call for proposals, "Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed."
Funding to the two projects totals almost $325,000:
- The Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Edmonton Chapter, will receive $168,840 for its project to empower local girls and young women to overcome barriers and become leaders in their communities; and
- The Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association will receive $155,800 for its project that will assist girls and young women from diverse ethno-cultural communities to maximize opportunities and participate fully in Canadian society.
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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.women.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and
Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839
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