Cornwall, ON — On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Mr. Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament (Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry), today announced Government of Canada support to the Eastern Ontario Training Board for a project that will promote leadership among young women in Cornwall, Ontario.

“The Government of Canada is taking concrete action to develop the leadership skills of girls and young women across Canada,” said Minister Ambrose. “The Eastern Ontario Training Board has designed an outstanding project that will help young women become the leaders of tomorrow.”

“We know young women in Cornwall have what it takes to be leaders, and we want them to have opportunities to learn, to be mentored, and to gain skills and confidence for success,” said Mr. Lauzon. “Through this project, the organization will help participants gain important leadership skills, and learn how to take on the challenges of leadership at the civic and community levels.”

The Government of Canada has approved more than $4.8 million to date in funding to organizations to carry out projects that promote leadership and economic prosperity among girls and young women. Successful projects were chosen following a Call for Proposals on the theme Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed, issued in June 2012.

The Eastern Ontario Training Board is receiving $170,400 in funding from the Government of Canada for a 24-month project that will provide young women aged 15-17 in Cornwall with opportunities in civic and community leadership development. City councillors will be key resources in the project by mentoring the participants, who will shadow them as the councillors go about their day-to-day civic responsibilities. The young women will have the opportunity to serve on boards across the community. They will also participate in a series of discussions that will help them discover their areas of interest and how they can contribute to their community, as leaders.

“Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, we are looking forward to seeing this project produce real results for the young participants, as well as for our community,” said Ms. Diane Soucie, Project Manager, Eastern Ontario Training Board. “Cornwall will benefit greatly as more and more confident and capable women are empowered to step up to the challenges and opportunities of leadership at the municipal level.”

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls 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, through the Women’s Program of Status of Women Canada, more than $20 million in funding has been approved for projects that promote women’s leadership and democratic participation.

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