Harper Government Supports Francophone Women in Alberta
EDMONTON, October 15, 2012 - The Government of Canada is providing support to the Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta to help Francophone women in Alberta—particularly newcomers—become more independent and active in their communities. The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women, and Member of Parliament (Edmonton–Spruce Grove), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
This investment will enable the Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta to carry out its programming activities for 2012‑2013. The organization will offer a series of programs and initiatives designed to meet the diverse needs of Francophone women in Alberta, including creating a resource guide for migrant and immigrant women, establishing a women’s network to combat isolation, presenting a visual arts exhibit that highlights immigrant women’s issues, and hosting the third annual Young Women’s Forum in October 2012.
“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”
“Our Government believes that it is necessary to overcome isolation and promote opportunities for women to form closer ties and work together, so that all women can be fully involved in the life of their community,” said Minister Ambrose. “This investment reiterates our strong commitment to the overall development of Alberta’s Francophone community. We are proud to support groups and organizations such as the Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta.”
“The Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta is very grateful to the Government of Canada for this funding in support of our programming,” said Gioia Sallustio-Jarvis, President. “The Coalition is committed to supporting the growth and development of women in Alberta, by making it easier for women to organize regionally and clearly identify their needs, and by helping women implement solutions appropriate to their circumstances. The Coalition seeks to be the voice of Francophone women across the province of Alberta, in all their diversity, through the different stages of life.”The Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta is a non-profit organization that works to promote networking, dialogue, mutual assistance, communication, joint action and outreach within the province’s Francophone communities, in order to meet the needs of Francophone women of all ages and walks of life. The organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $55,000 through the Cooperation with the Community Sector component of the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage aims to foster the development of Canada’s minority Anglophone and Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Perry Boldt
Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca