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October 28, 2003

GRANT TO ASSIST WOMEN OF THE PETITE PATRIE COMMUNITY TO MAKE THEIR CONCERNS PUBLIC

OTTAWA -- Écho des Femmes de la Petite Patrie will receive a $41,214 grant for a 12-month initiative to communicate the realities of women from the community of Petite Patrie in hopes of adapting programs and services to better meet their needs. Ms. Liza Frulla M.P. (Verdun--Saint--Henri--Saint-Paul--Pointe Saint-Charles) announced the grant today on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women).

"By gaining an understanding of the various methods of publicly voicing concerns, the women of this community will have the opportunity to take an active role in the process of demanding change," said Ms. Frulla.

"Communication is a powerful tool," said Secretary of State Augustine. "Through this initiative, the organization is helping women of Petite Patrie realize their collective and individual voices, and supporting the communication of their ideas and insight."

The initiative, "La voix des femmes de la Petite Patrie," will give women the tools to conduct successful consultations, to speak out in public, and to learn negotiating techniques. Based on results from a consultation, a written survey, focus groups, public meetings, and a public event, a profile will be prepared identifying the needs and realities of women from Petite Patrie. From this profile, specific demands will be presented to the organizations, institutions, and decision-makers in the community who will detail the implementation of the solutions to be announced. A summary of the initiative will be publicized.

Echo des Femmes de la Petite Patrie is a women's organization providing a drop-in centre, counseling, support groups, workshops, resources and information to women in the Petite Patrie community.

Status of Women Canada is the federal government department working to promote gender equality and the full participation of all women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.