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April 11, 2007

Canada's New Government Supports Senior Rural Women in Nova Scotia

LUNENBURG, Nova Scotia, April 11, 2007 -- On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), today announced funding of $110,255 to the Second Story Women's Centre for training workshops. These workshops regarding the Canadian pension system will be provided to senior women in five regions of Nova Scotia.

"These concrete actions are making a difference in the lives of senior women by ensuring their knowledge and understanding of the pension system in Canada and informing them of the means of access", said Minister Oda.

"Canada's New Government is proud to support this initiative which is taking concrete actions to directly help Canadian seniors," Gerald Keddy said.  "This project will help address the economic security of senior women from diverse backgrounds living in rural Nova Scotia. 

 "These trainers will fan out across five regions of the province to increase awareness and knowledge, particularly amongst senior rural women, of the Canadian pension system and available resources", said Beckie Guest, Acting Executive Director of the Second Story Women's Centre.  "Further benefits of the workshops will see increased access to entitlements by these women and an increase in effective planning by young rural women to ensure economic security in their senior years."

The Second Story Women's Centre works to enhance women's lives by providing services and education designed to promote personal growth, community awareness, and social change.  The Centre is involved within the social and economic support network of the community.  They work with women in their community to identify problems and mobilize skills and resources to develop a response to an issue through workshops, crisis intervention and outreach.

This funding support is provided through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This is among the first of a number of grants to be provided by Canada's New Government under the renewed Women's Program at Status of Women Canada. Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

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For more information, please contact:

Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director, Communications
Status of Women Canada
(613) 995-7839

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