MINISTER AMBROSE HIGHLIGHTS CANADIAN VALUES ON 1st ANNIVERSARY OF CITIZENSHIP
STUDY GUIDE

OTTAWA, Nov. 12 /CNW/ - Today, on the first anniversary of the launch of Canada's citizenship study guide, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, praised the guide's articulation of the strong and unwavering values that are important to Canadians.

"There is no doubt that our new citizenship guide is clear in its message about the treatment of women and girls in Canada today:  men and women are equal under the law, they can equally participate in economic, social and democratic life, and no form of discrimination or violence against women and girls will be tolerated," said Minister Ambrose.

The guide, entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, was launched on November 12, 2009.  Canadian citizenship is highly valued, and comes with particular rights and responsibilities.  This new study guide strives to tell of our country's storied past and provide readers with more information on what it means to be a Canadian citizen, and what rights and responsibilities are involved. 

Discover Canada also explains that women and men are equal under Canadian law.  It articulates that Canada's openness and generosity as a country do not extend to the barbaric cultural practices that tolerate violence against women, "honour killings", female genital mutilation or other gender-based violence.  Those guilty of these crimes are punished under Canada's criminal laws.

"As Canadians we are steadfast in our belief that women and girls deserve fair, equitable and respectful treatment, and today's one-year anniversary of the guide is an important opportunity to remember this," said Minister Ambrose.

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is available through Citizenship and Immigration Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information:

Rebecca Thompson Director of Communications 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