Minister congratulates House of Commons Standing Committee on Status of Women
for launching study

OTTAWA, May 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, congratulated the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women on its decision late yesterday to study Canada's important role in improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan.

"Studying tangible improvements to quality of life for Afghanistan's women and children will not only highlight Canada's successes in helping to rebuild Afghan society," said Minister Ambrose. "This study will give us an opportunity to learn and continue advancing the good work being done there by members of the Canadian Armed Forces, humanitarian aid workers and others contributing to the well-being of Afghan women and children."

A motion introduced by Ms. Sylvie Boucher, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Beauport-Limoilou, asked the Standing Committee on the Status of Women to "examine work that is being done in Afghanistan to improve the living conditions of all women as well as children."

"I am pleased that all members of the committee supported this important motion," said Minister Ambrose. "This is an opportunity to highlight, for all Canadians, the important work being done to help women and children in Afghanistan."

The study will focus on four main areas:

    
    -   the historical situation for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban;
    -   work being done by the Government of Canada in Afghanistan;
    -   complementary work being done by non-governmental organizations and
        others in Afghanistan; and
    -   successes and setbacks, as well as lessons learned.
    

In addition to being supported by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, this important study is also supported by the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Cooperation.

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

For further information: Chris Hilton, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, [phone]; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, [phone]