Government of Canada Supports Women's Economic Security in Nunavut, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia

September 02, 2009

Thunder Bay, Ontario - 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.