Minister announces increased support for women�s centres

Women�s centres across the province will receive more money to deliver their services across the province thanks to an increase in funding announced in today�s budget. In 1998, when the women�s centres became ineligible for funding from the federal government, the province committed funding to enable the centres to maintain operations. Sandra C. Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, says that commitment continues with today�s announcement. Seven centres across the province will see their operational funding increase from $30,000 to $50,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year for a total increase of $140,000.

"Government recognizes that the services provided by women�s centres, whether it be counselling, referral, advocacy or building community supports, are an integral part of the communities they serve," said Minister Kelly. "Women�s centres have been requesting an increase in their funding and during pre-budget consultations, women�s organizations across the province made it clear that increasing funding for the women�s centres was important."

Minister Kelly said women�s centres, and organizations like the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, have been, and will continue to be, a conduit for issues of importance to women in the province. They are the grassroots link to the immediate needs and concerns of women. Support for the women�s centres helps ensure that government will continue to be aware of these issues and able to address them in an appropriate manner.

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, (709) 729-5730.

2001 03 22                         3:30 p.m.