The Provincial Government is helping build an inclusive society and breaking down social, cultural and economic barriers through investments in provincial women�s organizations in Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation.

"By supporting women�s groups at the community level, government is supporting front-line services in all regions of the province," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "These investments will benefit women of all cultures and in all regions and are a real testament to the outstanding work these organizations do to bring women of all backgrounds closer to equality."

Budget 2009 provides funding increases for the eight status of women councils around the province, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the Multicultural Women�s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The annual operating grant for each of the eight status of women councils is increasing by five per cent, for a total grant of $110,000 each. This is to assist the councils in keeping up with the increased demand for their services. Each council operates a women�s centre, which provides personal and employment counselling, assistance in filling out forms and applications, referral services, workshops, information/education, clothing banks and assisting accessing government services.

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women will receive　a seven　per cent funding increase, for a total of $441,000 annually, to provide advice to the Provincial Government and bring attention to social, political, legal, cultural and economic matters relating to women in the province.

As well, the Multicultural Women�s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador will now receive $100,000 annually in provincial funding, an increase of $80,000 over last year. The voluntary, non-profit organization promotes positive relationships among ethnic minorities and the local population, businesses and government. It also provides information and support to women of differing cultures.

"In order to ensure that the needs of all women in the province are addressed, we must consider cultural diversity," said Minister Dunderdale. "This funding increase reflects the important work being done by the organization and allows it to continue to offer services related to gender equality and women�s empowerment for multicultural and immigrant women with a wider provincial presence."

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Media contact:

Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca 

2009 03 30                                                    10:25 a.m.