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News Release

Government of Canada Tackles Violence Against Immigrant Women and Girls in Edmonton

February 11, 2011

EDMONTON, AB - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that addresses violence against women and girls.

"As Canadians we believe in a peaceful and safe society that doesn't tolerate violence of any kind towards women, including culturally motivated violence," said Minister Ambrose. "This project is one we are proud to support as young women will be educated on recognizing and preventing these intolerable acts of violence."

Since becoming Minister for Status of Women, Minister Ambrose has met with diverse communities across Canada to discuss potential action and to encourage groups to apply for funding through Status of Women Canada's Women's Program.

The Indo-Canadian Women's Association is receiving $241,000 for its 24-month project, Elimination of Harmful Cultural Practices: A Community-Centred Approach for Education and Action. This initiative will empower immigrant girls and young women in Edmonton. It will also develop strategies for engaging community organizations, the legal community and law-enforcement agencies to better respond to the issue of harmful cultural practices.

"We are very pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this innovative project, which will empower and inform young women and girls in Edmonton," said Ms. Anjali Agarwal, President of the Indo-Canadian Women's Association. "Through this project, these young women and girls will gain important tools and skills that will help them to recognize and respond to harmful cultural practices."

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects like this because they yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening our families, our communities and our country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to $19 million, its highest level ever.

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For more information, please contact:

Rebecca Thompson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613 995-7839

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Date Modified:
2011-02-14