November 14, 2012
Victoria, British Columbia – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced funding to the Royal Roads University Students Association to engage young people in addressing violence against women on university and college campuses. Parliamentarians throughout Canada joined Minister Ambrose in announcing their projects locally.
"Our Government is taking action to address violence against women on university and college campuses across Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "We are pleased to support projects that will help make university and college communities safer for everyone."
The Government of Canada is providing 21 organizations with close to $4 million to carry out projects that tackle a wide range of issues related to violence against female students, such as sexual assault and harassment. Organizations will work with college and university campus communities to carry out their projects.
The Royal Roads University Student Association is receiving $172,700 in funding for a project targeting students at Royal Roads University, with the goal of preventing violence on campus. The Student Association will develop a comprehensive and coordinated approach to safety assessments and planning based on a needs assessment and safety audit that takes into account safety issues for women and men alike.
"The Royal Roads University Student Association believes safety is essential on university campuses," said Ms. Melissa Henry, President, Royal Roads University Student Association. "This funding will enhance the security of our university and the comfort and well-being of our students."
"I am delighted that this project has been funded," said Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor of Royal Roads University. "Making the university a safe place for all students is something I strongly endorse and congratulate the students association on their commitment to the project."
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $54 million in federal funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.
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For media inquiries only:
Amber Irwin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421
For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
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Organizations receiving funding under the call for proposals – Engaging Young People to Prevent Violence against Women on Post-Secondary Campuses:
These organizations will work with college and/or university campuses in their communities.