Government of Canada marks 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence in Canada's West and North

OTTAWA, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today called on all Canadians to join the worldwide 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence while highlighting government actions to address violence against women and girls in Western and Northern Canada.

"Our Government recognizes the need for Canadians to come together and take action that reduces and prevents violence against women and girls in all its forms, wherever it occurs," said Minister Ambrose. "That is why the Government of Canada is proud to support projects across the country, including in Canada's West and North that help communities address gender-based violence."

"Violence and the threat of violence continues to be a daily reality for many women in the North and across Canada," said Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut. "Violence against women is a serious problem that all levels of government, police, civil society and stakeholders must work together to end."

"Our Government is committed to ending violence against women and girls in communities across Canada," said Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East. "That is why we are supporting grassroots projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families and communities."

Minister Ambrose highlighted two recent projects in Western and Northern Canada. The Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan is receiving $300,000 for a 36-month project to address the high incidence of violence against women in the communities of La Ronge, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Swift Current, Melfort, and Kindersley. A community action plan will be developed and implemented in these communities in collaboration with community stakeholders such as local service providers, community leaders, schools, Aboriginal service organizations, and shelters.

"We are pleased to have the Government of Canada's support for this important project to help address gender-based violence in the communities we serve," said Karen Closs and Karen Sanderson, Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors for the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan. "Many women at risk will be assisted by this project."

In the Yukon, through Status of Women Canada, the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society is receiving $264,772 for a 36-month project entitled "Together for Justice" on Language, Violence and Responsibility. The project will assist Aboriginal women transition to violence-free lives. By building relationships between Aboriginal women, law enforcement officials, and service providers, the goal is to improve policing and social service delivery for women living in Yukon communities. The project includes development of protocols, law enforcement orientation documents and community action plans.

"The Government of Canada's support for this project will make a critical difference to women in our communities by supporting greater collaboration among all stakeholders," said Fannie Vance, Executive Board Member of the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society. "It will allow us to reduce the risk of violence for many Aboriginal women."

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence commence on November 25, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and conclude on December 10 with International Human Rights Day. The campaign also observes significant dates such as December 6, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

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 funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada