Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Polish Canadian Women's Federation
ETOBICOKE, November 7, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine today announced funding of $21,938 for the Polish Canadian Women's Federation to help finance its development project, "Planning for Change: Reaching out to the Community and Developing Links.""The Government of Canada is committed to promoting the full participation of women in the social, cultural, and political life of Canada," said Secretary of State Augustine. "We will continue to support programs that promote the understanding of women's issues, and that encourage women to participate in the community."
This project will enable the Polish Canadian Women's Federation to re-examine the internal systems, statutes, policies, and practices of their program. After 45 years of operation, the program plans to re-identify the needs of the community. As the Polish community is experiencing a generational gap between older women and new immigrants, the organization wishes to develop new policies and programs to respond to these changing times and to attract younger women to the group.
The project will consist of two stages. First, a needs assessment survey will be distributed within the organization and the community. Second, a leadership workshop will be scheduled to review and analyse the survey results and develop an action plan for change.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. This Program promotes full and equitable participation from people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Adam Burns
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
BACKGROUNDER
The Polish Canadian Women's Federation, founded in 1956, is a non-profit organization with 13 branches located across Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
The organization's mandate is to promote and represent the interests of Polish Canadian women. The organization's aim is to: strengthen Polish culture and attain equal rights for women; take an active role in Canadian life; cooperate with other Canadian women's organizations; and respond to women's and family issues.
"Planning for Change: Reaching out to the Community and Developing Links," is a program that will clarify the needs of the community and identify new leaders within their diversifying community. The project aims to encourage the participation of Polish-Canadian women in mainstream Canadian society. Another focus will be to heighten youth participation and develop their leadership skills so that they will be able to represent the community.
In future years, the Polish Canadian Women's Federation plans to increase the number of working relationships with other ethnocultural groups.
[ Media Room ]
