(Response to question raised by Hon. Mobina S.B. Jaffer on December 6, 2007)
Status of Women Canada works to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada. Through the Women's Program, financial assistance is provided to organizations to carry out projects at a local, regional and national level in key areas.
On October 11, 2007, as a result of the first Call for Proposals for the Women's Community Fund, the Honourable Josée Verner announced funding totalling over $8 million to 60 projects across Canada. These projects will benefit over 260,000 women in their communities, making meaningful contributions in areas such as improving women's economic security and addressing violence against women.
For example:
In New Brunswick, funding will support a project amount aimed at addressing the unique barriers faced by rural women experiencing abuse in a non-urban setting.
In Ontario, funding will support a project which will pair isolated immigrant and refugee women with mentors to support them in making the transition to full time employment/business ownership.
In Québec, funding will support a project aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of violence against women among young women aged nine to 17.
In Alberta, funding will support a project which will help urban Aboriginal women improve their lives through support and mentoring activities, in an effort to improve their economic situation.
In British Columbia, funding will support a project addressing the social marginalization and exclusion faced by visible minority and Indigenous women and girls.
At the National level, funding will support a project to increase Aboriginal women's financial literacy in order to prepare for their return to their communities, after accessing shelter services.
The second Call for Proposals was launched on November 1, 2007, with a closing date of December 21, 2007.