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April 11, 2007

Canada's New Government Supports Rural Women's Economic Security in Golden, British Columbia

GOLDEN, British Columbia, April 11, 2007 -- On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, James Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Kootenay - Columbia), today announced funding of $50,000 to the Golden Women's Centre Society for a project designed to improve access to employment information and support for 100 rural women, half of whom are immigrant or Aboriginal. The project, "Putting Women on the Payroll," will also seek practical solutions for employers to make their workplaces safer and more flexible.

"I am proud to support the project Putting Women on the Payroll which will make a real difference in the lives of low-income rural women in the B.C. interior", said Minister Oda.

"Canada's New Government is proud to support this initiative, which will have a significant impact on the lives of women in our community," Mr. Abbott said. "This project will help to improve economic security among low-income rural women in the Kootenays.

 "This project aims to address the barriers rural women face in finding and keeping satisfying employment; thus we will be able to help improve employment possibilities for all women, especially low-income, Aboriginal and immigrant women in our area. In working with local business owners, we will make strides towards having a larger labour pool and more qualified workers", said the Golden Women's Centre Society Director, Laurie Dalzell. "As well, this initiative will address the current labour shortage for major employers in the community."

The Golden Women's Centre Society is a non-profit organization that works to support local women by encouraging their personal growth and by finding opportunities to increase awareness of women's experiences and needs. The Centre provides services free of charge and promotes women's participation in their community through local initiatives, public education and advocacy.

This funding support is provided through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This grant is among the first to be provided by Canada's New Government under the renewed Women's Program at Status of Women.

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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