Government of Canada Announces Support for Women Living in Muskoka

March 16, 2012

David Brushey, Executive Director, Muskoka Futures, Tony Clement, Beth Ward, Executive Director, YWCA Muskoka, Lola Bratty, Gravnhurst Councillor, Jeff Watson, Deputy Mayor of Gravenhurst.

March 16, 2012, Gravenhurst–On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement today announced new funding for the Community YWCA of Muskoka’s community-based project to increase the economic security of low-income, unemployed, and/or under-employed women living in the Muskoka region

 “The Community YWCA of Muskoka is an important local organization and this project will enhance their capacity to help women in our community,” said MP Clement. “Our government is pleased to support exciting projects like this that strengthen the participation of women in the social and economic life of Parry Sound-Muskoka and across our country.”

 The Community YWCA of Muskoka is receiving $234,000 from the Government of Canada for a project to help meet the specific challenges faced by women living in this community.

 “This announcement is wonderful news for the women of Muskoka. It will enable YWCA Muskoka to act as a catalyst to plan with women of Muskoka for their full participation in the community, build strategic partnerships to respond to women’s specific needs and increase women’s economic security and independence,” said Beth Ward, Executive Director, Community YWCA of Muskoka.

 This project aligns with Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day and Week: Strong Women, Strong Canada – Women in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada’s Economic Prosperity. This theme promotes greater recognition of women and girls who live in communities beyond our urban centres.

 “I am pleased our Government is supporting grassroots projects that address issues of violence and economic security affecting women and girls living in rural and remote communities,” said Minister Ambrose. “In every region of Canada, particularly in rural and remote regions, women play important roles in their families and communities, and are key to our country’s prosperity.” 

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 each year, its highest level ever.

 

Project background:

 

  • The Community YWCA of Muskoka project will establish Women’s Economic Development Circles within each district/community. These will involve: local women, women business owners, Chambers of Commerce, town councillors, and economic development officers. A regional circle will bring together representatives from each district to work together to develop a community economic plan for women.

  

  • This project will focus on women between the ages of 18-65 living in rural priority communities (Gravenhurst,  Bracebridge and Huntsville), with a particular focus on low-income, under-employed and unemployed women.

 

  • The project will take place across the District Municipality of Muskoka, beginning in Gravenhurst with subsequent activities in Bracebridge and Huntsville.

 

  • It is estimated that 375 women will benefit directly from this project (125 per community).

 

  • It is further estimated that approximately 9,000 women will experience the indirect benefits of this initiative in the first three years.

 

YWCA Muskoka serves the women and girls of Muskoka, working to help women achieve economic  independence and sustainabilty, end violence  against women, foster leadership in women and girls and provide effective services. YWCA Muskoka models leadership, works in partnership with other community organizations. including school boards, regional and local  governments and other women-serving organizations to deliver a wide range of services designed to reddress social and economic conditions that increase womens’ vulnerability.

 

For more information on the Community YWCA of Muskoka and this project, please contact Executive Director, Beth Ward 705- 645-9827 bward@ywcamuskoka.com

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