Status of Women Canada
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Status of Women Canada

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Women and Girls in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada's Economic Prosperity

A Message from the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women

image Rona Ambrose

As Canada's Minister for Status of Women, it is my honour to lead the Canadian delegation to the 56th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and to express my country's support for this year's theme, "The empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges."

This theme is of particular significance to Canada, a vast country with a relatively small population. Bounded on three sides by oceans, the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Arctic, our country abounds with lakes, mountains, untouched wilderness, rich farmland and small, diverse communities whose populations rely heavily on our natural resources. Our 10 provinces and 3 territories cover a total area of 9,984,670 square kilometres, most of which is rural or remote. While the majority of Canada's population live in urban centres, approximately 17% of the female population (2.8 million) resides in rural Canada, while another 1% (176,000) resides in remote areas.

Women and girls in rural and remote areas of Canada share many of the same challenges faced by women in rural and remote areas throughout the world. They also experience unique challenges – and in some cases, extraordinary opportunities – related to the Canadian landscape.

I am pleased to provide you with this information kit, which includes profiles of projects funded by federal departments as well as provincial and territorial governments. These projects were chosen because they exemplify best practices for meeting the needs of women and girls in rural and remote or Northern areas of Canada. Also included in this kit are fact sheets profiling women and girls, including those from Aboriginal communities, living in these areas. The fact sheets highlight key statistics such as labour force participation, employment trends, income, education, occupations and crime and violence.

Thank you for your interest in Canada's efforts to advance equality for women and girls. Please accept my best wishes for a productive and engaging 56th session.

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Date Modified:
2012-07-18