MINISTER AMBROSE LAUNCHES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

OTTAWA, Oct 6 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today launched Women's History Month, which will be celebrated across Canada during the month of October. This year's theme - Recognizing Canadian Women in Business - celebrates women's contributions, now and throughout history, to Canadian business and our national economy.

"I encourage all Canadians to reflect on the contributions of women in business and their pivotal role in economic growth and job creation in Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "Canadian women have a long history of excellence in business, and we can take great pride in their individual and collective achievements, which have contributed positively to Canadian life."

To coincide with the start of Women's History Month, Minister Ambrose met with Alia El Banna, owner and CEO of Ottawa-based KIWI Choice Inc., a company specializing in the design and manufacture of electronic and solar products to help reduce energy waste. KIWI Choice was launched in 2010 and created six new jobs in Ottawa. Within a short time, Ms. El Banna has been nominated for many distinguished awards, including the IT Hero Award and Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100. She has effectively balanced being a successful entrepreneur with her responsibilities as a student, wife and mother of two young children.

Ms. El Banna received essential support and mentorship through the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), an organization with which the Government of Canada is proud to partner in helping young entrepreneurs start businesses across the country.

"I am very proud to be a woman entrepreneur and to be able to present a positive image that can inspire other women. As an MBA graduate and a PhD student, my academic research has advanced my understanding of market dynamics and helped provide KIWI Choice with strong reliable green benchmarks," said Ms. El Banna. "In the past few months, I was able to take KIWI Choice from an idea to a successful Canadian venture that reaches out to international markets."

"I am pleased that our government has introduced important measures to help women entrepreneurs prosper and succeed," said Minister Ambrose. "We are proud of the contributions of women in Canadian business and we encourage other women to follow their lead."

The Government of Canada has taken significant action to improve women's economic security and prosperity, including the introduction of important programs that benefit women in business.

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

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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