Government of Canada supports women's economic security in Quebec, Nunavut, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia

    THUNDER BAY, ON, Sept. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Helena Guergis,
Minister of State (Status of Women), today announced support for the Women's
Economic Council, for its project to address women's economic security and
leadership. Minister of State Guergis also acknowledged the hard work and
dedication of Council volunteers by providing certificates of appreciation.
    The project, entitled Leadership and Women's Economic Security: A
Sustainability Approach, will focus the efforts of eight women-centred,
community-based, economic development enterprises in Quebec, Nunavut, Ontario,
Alberta and British Columbia, to help 570 low-income women find and maintain
employment, and enhance their leadership and financial skills.
    "Providing low-income women with the tools they need to overcome barriers
in the current global economic climate will strengthen them in their fight
against poverty," said Minister of State Guergis. "I commend the Women's
Economic Council, as they work to empower women to make valuable contributions
to the economic life of this country."
    "By nurturing the leadership and economic literacy of women, we will
ensure that they are full participants in the Canadian economy," said Ms.
Rosalind Lockyer, President, Women's Economic Council. "Through the Leadership
and Women's Economic Security: A Sustainability Approach project, we are
increasing the financial competency and leadership skills of low-income women
by using women-centred community economic development approaches to strengthen
individual women and women-centred community development organizations and
enterprises."
    To carry out the project, the Council has received $444,845 over a
24-month period to address women's economic security and leadership. The
Council is working in collaboration with eight women-centred community
economic development enterprises in Quebec, Nunavut, Ontario, Alberta and
British Columbia to help 570 low-income women find and maintain employment.
    The Women's Economic Council is a national association of women community
economic development practitioners. Its mandate is to advance women-centred
community economic development as a means of reducing poverty and improving
the lives of women, their families and their communities.
    Funding for the Leadership and Women's Economic Security: A
Sustainability Approach project comes from the Women's Community Fund of the
Women's Program of Status of Women Canada. This Fund is for eligible
organizations to carry out projects at the local, regional,
provincial/territorial and national levels.

    Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote
equality for women, and their full participation in the economic, social and
democratic life of Canada.

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    For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to
www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information: Sherine Mansour, Director of Communications,
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women), (819) 956-4000; Nanci-Jean
Waugh, Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning, Status of
Women Canada, (613) 995-7839