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October 11, 2007

Canada's New Government Supports Project to Improve Quality of Life in Women and Girls in Gatineau

GATINEAU, QUEBEC - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding to the Centre Actu-Elle in Gatineau, Quebec, to improve the quality of life of young single-parent women.

Funding in the amount of $116,750 will enable the Centre Actu-Elle to continue its work to break through the isolation faced by these young women, and to create a gathering place and a compassionate environment in which to develop their parenting skills.

"A Springboard into Tomorrow is an exciting new project that will guide young women toward economic autonomy and provide them with a supportive environment to learn about parenting and how to avoid being victims of violence," said Minister Verner.

Ms. Debbie Biehler, Executive Director of Centre Actu-Elle, said, "We are delighted that the federal government is supporting this groundbreaking project. By working together we can help young single-parent women make better lifestyle choices, gain economic independence and reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment."

This project is one of 60 across the country being supported by an $8 million investment by Canada's New Government through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. These projects will positively impact 260,000 women and girls by addressing barriers, educating them about violence prevention, helping them make better lifestyle choices and encouraging co-operative peer support networks.

"Canada's New Government is committed to encouraging and supporting women and girls across the country to take control of their futures and exercise leadership in their communities," said Minister Verner.

A Call for Proposals that address Status of Women Canada's funding priorities - advancing women's economic security and countering violence against women - was issued this past June. Further projects across Canada that will receive funding will be announced in the coming weeks.

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 on Status of Women Canada, visit http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

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For more information, please contact:

Richard Walker
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
(819) 997-7788

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

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