MINISTER AMBROSE MEETS WITH STAKEHOLDERS HELPING NEWCOMER WOMEN IN THE
EDMONTON AREA

EDMONTON, Sept. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a new project that will help end violence against immigrant and refugee women and girls, and held a roundtable with stakeholders involved in the project.

"This is an important collaborative project between Changing Together and the Edmonton Women's Shelter that can truly make a difference in the lives of immigrant and refugee women, who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking," said Minister Ambrose.

Changing Together: Centre for Immigrant Women Association is receiving $341,000 for The Silkworm Project: An Emergency Shelter Designed Specifically for Immigrant Women. The Government of Canada allocated funding for this project through the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada. To qualify, projects must work to promote equality and the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada. Through Status of Women Canada, the Government of Canada's support for community projects like this has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8M to $19M, its highest level ever.

"This 36-month project is working to establish a shelter that will be the first of its kind in Canada, offering services and programs targeted specifically at immigrant and refugee women who are victims of violence or trafficking," said Ms. Noreen Berkes, Chair of Changing Together. "The Edmonton Women's Shelter will handle the overall management of the shelter, while Changing Together will design and implement culturally specific programming for the women and girls."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like this because they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening our families, our communities and our country.

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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, 613-301-5215; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, 613-995-7839