Strong Women Mean a Strong Canada: Guergis

CHARLOTTETOWN, Feb. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada is supporting two new projects that will help improve the lives of women and girls in Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), announced today.

"A healthy economy remains our government's top priority," Minister of State Guergis said. "All Canadians benefit when women are economically secure, physically safe and showing leadership across the country. Our investment in this initiative will help more women and girls in Prince Edward Island to reach their full potential."

The funding, totalling $277,960, is being allocated as follows:

    
    -   $197,960 to the PEI Coalition for Women in Government Inc. for its
        project, Supporting Democratic Participation of Prince Edward
        Island's Women and Girls; and

    -   $80,000 to the Women's Network PEI Inc. for its project,
        Trade Herizons.
    

Support for today's announcement comes from funding the Government of Canada allocated to the Women's Community Fund of Status of Women Canada. To qualify for funding, each project must work to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

"In Prince Edward Island, women hold 30 per cent or less of the seats at municipal, provincial, First Nations and federal levels of governments," said Ms. Jacqueline MacNeill Doiron, President of the PEI Coalition for Women in Government Inc. "Our 36-month project takes a skills-building approach to provide 414 women and girls from across P.E.I. with invaluable knowledge on work-life balance and the kind of support they'll need to run for elected office and/or take on other leadership roles in their communities."

"Labour market research shows there is a significant shortage of replacement workers in the trades and technology sectors, and that women are under-represented in both areas," said Ms. Sandra Nicholson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Women's Network PEI Inc. "Our 18-month project will run as a complement to a three-year pilot project we are doing in collaboration with the provincial government to promote the economic well-being of P.E.I. women."

"Over the past year, our Government has listened to the concerns of groups and individuals across the country," said Minister of State Guergis. "As a result of these consultations, we have delivered funding for a national shelter network, supported the introduction of a bill to address human trafficking and helped to support community programs."

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

For further information: Emily Goucher, Senior Special Assistant, Communications, Office of the Minister of State, (Status of Women), [phone]; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of Women Canada, [phone]