Speaking Notes for the Honourable Helena Guergis, P.C., M.P. Minister of State (Status of Women) on the Occasion of an Announcement of Funding to Three New Brunswick Women's Organizations

Moncton, New Brunswick
Janurary 19, 2009

Check against delivery

Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to join you today here in Moncton, truly a city on the rise - even at this chilly time of year!

It is a special privilege to announce support for three new projects that will significantly improve the lives of women across New Brunswick and in the Greater Moncton area.

Now more than ever - particularly in these times of uncertainty - Canada's continued success depends on women's economic security.  And, perhaps more importantly, it depends on women's economic prosperity, and on the well-being of their families and their communities.

In Budget 2008, the Government of Canada announced that we will develop an Action Plan to advance equality for women by improving their economic and social conditions, and their participation in democratic life.

Over the past year, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, our Government has formed partnerships with local women's organizations across the country.  Through these working relationships, we have invested in promising grass-roots projects that tackle some of the most daunting challenges and issues facing girls and women today - issues like violence, poverty and the lack of access to opportunity.

Our Government is continuing to deliver on our commitment to equality for Canadian women.  By supporting projects that give women the tools they need to empower themselves, access employment, strengthen their economic security and take on the challenge of leadership, we are making a real difference in the lives of Canadians.  Therefore, I am pleased to announce Women's Program funding to three local organizations.

Support to Single Parents Inc./Support aux parents uniques inc. will receive $300,000 for its project entitled Building Sustainable Livelihoods for Low-Income Women through Co-operative Enterprise Development.  This initiative will address the priority issue of economic security while developing leadership roles for low-income women in the Greater Moncton area.

The Collectivité ingénieuse de la Péninsule acadienne (CIPA) inc. of Paquetville, will receive $299,243 for its project entitled ParCelles, a web package of community products to support women who are victims of violence.  CIPA's goal is to reduce the level of violence against women and girls in six French-speaking regions of the province.  The Collectivité aims to do this by providing women with resources tailored to suit their situations, as well as by using information and communications technologies, all geared toward supporting women in leaving situations of violence.

The Collectif des femmes du Nouveau-Brunswick will receive $200,000 for its project entitled Modèle d'intégration professionnelle pour les femmes francophones issues des communautés ethnoculturelles dans la région de Moncton.  The focus of this initiative is on enhancing employability and promoting economic prosperity among local francophone women from ethnocultural minority communities.

The Women's Community Fund supports eligible organizations to carry out projects at the local, regional and national levels. To qualify, the initiatives must work toward the equality and full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

Like the many other projects for women that our Government is supporting, we are proud to be able to support the excellent work of these three organizations.  Together, we are making a difference for women and girls in Canada.

- 30 -