Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Burnaby, British Columbia, December 18, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced that seniors in various British Columbia regions will benefit from projects that raise awareness about elder abuse, funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadian seniors have the information and tools they need to prevent all forms of elder abuse,” said Minister of State Wong. “This is a serious issue that must be addressed. By supporting elder abuse prevention activities, our government is helping to safeguard the well-being and security of Canadian seniors.”

The Burnaby Multicultural Society received $200,000 in pan-Canadian funding through the NHSP to organize workshops and presentations, and offer resources in various ethnic languages to increase awareness and promote the prevention of elder abuse in several regions in B.C. Seniors, their families and community stakeholders will also benefit from culturally tailored elder abuse awareness information and tools, which include an awareness campaign in Chinese, Korean and Punjabi.

“We are grateful to the Government of Canada for their funding and support of our Elder Abuse Network project,” said Rana Dhatt, Executive Director, Burnaby Multicultural Society. “This funding allows us to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse amongst immigrant communities. This network has created a welcoming and participative environment that engages both seniors and professionals in a dialogue about elder abuse awareness.”

This project is one of 33 pan-Canadian initiatives collectively receiving over $14 million in NHSP funding.

The NHSP supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The Government of Canada is investing over $33 million in support of more than 1 750 NHSP projects that will lead to programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities, and supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and ending elder abuse in all its forms. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Other Actions Taken by the Government of Canada to Combat Elder Abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi‑departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded in 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people.

For more information on the NHSP, call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca.

Vancouver, British Columbia, December 13, 2013 – Seniors in Vancouver will soon have new opportunities to build stronger connections within their community through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) made the announcement today at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives like this one, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.”

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House received $25,000 for its project to strengthen the connection between immigrant seniors and younger community and family members. Volunteers will help seniors document their personal stories in both digital and scrapbooking formats, and later present them as part of an intergenerational memory-keepers exhibit.

“Neighbourhood Houses provide opportunities for seniors, especially those who are vulnerable, to participate in health and wellness programs,” said Jocelyne Hamel, Executive Director, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. “Through programs such as Leaving Legacies, funded by the NHSP, we help seniors take leadership, stay connected, learn new skills, celebrate their lives—both the past and present—and give them something to look forward to in the future.”

The Government of Canada is investing more than $33 million for over 1 750 NHSP projects to support programs and activities for seniors across Canada. These projects were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to benefit others. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that are inspired or

led by seniors and address one or more of the program’s five objectives. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals for community-based projects. The call closed across Canada on July 5, 2013, except in Alberta, where it closed on July 19, and in Quebec, where it closed on September 6. Project applications are currently being assessed.

A subsequent call for proposals for pilot projects was launched on October 3, 2013, and closed on November 13, 2013. This call sought proposals for larger-value, longer-duration pilot projects focussing specifically on seniors’ isolation and/or intergenerational learning.   Projects will receive up to $100,000 over 24 months in contribution funding, engage partners and leverage funding from other community partners.

Montréal, Quebec, December 10, 2013—Members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Montréal with seniors organizations, service and health providers, researchers and practitioners to assess how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors including their health and their participation in their families, workplaces and communities,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), who oversees the day-to‑day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

The Council met with individuals and organizations from across Quebec as part of a series of cross-country round tables. Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey (2008/2009) found that 19 percent of seniors aged 65 or over felt a lack of companionship, left out or isolated from others.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and on the effects of low income among seniors, volunteerism and positive and active ageing. Most recently, it explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2 million—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The National Seniors Council (NSC)

The NSC advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors population.

• The Council reports to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations who serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit;
• providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the NHSP;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the NHSP to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, December 2, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today the launch of the new caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, a central source of information for seniors, their families and caregivers.

The new Information for Caregivers portal provides an interactive map of Canada leading to federal, provincial and some municipal resources on financial information, care options, powers of attorney, health, mental health and dementia.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping seniors quickly access information about programs and services they need and use in their communities,” said Minister Wong. “That is why today we are launching the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca, which provides information about relevant programs and benefits for seniors and their caregivers.”

“CARP members will welcome the new Information for Caregivers portal on seniors.gc.ca. It will help families navigate the complex array of government programs and services at all levels. It is comprehensive and user-friendly, which will come as a great relief to people who are often running from pillar to post to get the help they need for themselves or their loved ones,” said Susan Eng, Vice President, Advocacy, CARP.

Seniors.gc.ca, including the recently launched Information for Seniors section, provides information on a range of key initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Measures to increase awareness of elder abuse are also included on the site.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for easy access to government-related benefits, programs and initiatives for seniors.

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit;
• providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• actions to address elder abuse, which include awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons;
• increasing funding to the NHSP by $5 million, bringing the Program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Regina, Saskatchewan, November 29, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), and members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Regina with seniors’ organizations, service and health providers, and researchers and practitioners to assess how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors. It can be harmful to their health and their participation in family life, and affect their place in workplaces and communities,” said Minister of State Wong, who oversees the day-to-day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

The NSC met with individuals and organizations from across Saskatchewan as part of a series of cross-country round tables. Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey 2008–2009 found that 19 percent of seniors aged 65 or over felt a lack of companionship, left out or isolated from others.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and low income among seniors, volunteerism, positive and active ageing, and most recently explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The NSC advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors population.

• The Council reports to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health.  The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit;
• providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the New Horizons for Seniors Program;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Vancouver, British Columbia – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, today announced the arrival in Canada of the new hovercraft to be stationed at Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia – the CCGS Moytel.

“Our Government is committed to investing where it counts in the interest of the Canadian Coast Guard.  In fact, our Government has invested more in the Canadian Coast Guard than any government in Canadian history,” said Minister Shea. “We will continue to ensure the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have the equipment they need to do the important work we ask of them.”

Upon completion of construction, the new hovercraft was shipped to British Columbia and will soon travel to Sea Island. Following a period of training for Coast Guard staff and inspection to ensure the vessel’s optimal condition following shipping, the vessel will be accepted into the Coast Guard fleet.

“Our investment in the CCGS Moytel, a world-class modern hovercraft, is another example of our Government’s commitment to ensure the safety of fishermen, recreational boaters, and sailors in and around Vancouver Harbour,” said Minister Wong. “The name of the new vessel is in Halq’eméylem, in recognition of our First Nations’ contribution to the province’s history, culture and economy.”

The new hovercraft will be named the CCGS Moytel. Moytel is a Halq’emélem word meaning “to help each other.” Canadian Coast Guard vessels are given names that promote Canadian sovereignty, culture, geography and history. Names of vessels are selected to raise the profile of vessels and the work they do by honouring and celebrating people and places of regional and national significance.

As a replacement for the CCGS Penac, the new Moytel will be a heavy-duty, more versatile amphibious vehicle capable of patrolling inland waters. A larger more powerful vessel than the CCGS Penac, it has a greater range of capabilities and features including a bow ramp that will enable it to transport supplies such as rescue equipment and vehicles.

Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered over 100 vessels to the Coast Guard, including: 6 Hero-class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels (CCGS Private Robertson V.C., CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C., CCGS Corporal Teather C.V, CCGS Constable Carrière, CCGS G. Peddle S.C and CCGS McLaren); the hovercraft CCGS Mamilossa; 5 Search and Rescue Lifeboats; 2 Specialty Vessels; 3 Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels; 30 environmental barges; and 60 small craft.

For more information:

Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537

Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

Ottawa, November 18, 2013 – For people who are preparing for, or are currently at this stage of their lives, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has developed Living in retirement, a comprehensive free guide that covers a variety of financial matters that many seniors will face, announced Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson. Filled with valuable tips and information, the new resource helps Canadian seniors prepare themselves financially so they can navigate their retirement years with confidence.

“Whether we retire early or work well into our elder years, we all need to think about our personal finance needs and plan accordingly,” said Minister Sorenson. “Through this new resource and our Government’s Economic Action Plan 2013, we are working to equip Canada’s seniors with high-quality information so they can make good financial decisions and safeguard their well-being.”

“Our government is committed to improving the lives of seniors in many ways, including financial literacy,” said Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong. “It is a critical life skill for all Canadians and particularly for Canadian seniors – who often face unique financial challenges.”

Living in retirementdeals with a number of topics relevant to seniors, including:

• Budgeting in retirement
• Sources of retirement income
• Public pension benefits, tax credits and other benefits for seniors
• Working in retirement
• Preventing financial abuse and fraud
• Dealing with transitions such as changing living needs, care giving and the loss of independence.

To create the resource, FCAC consulted extensively with several external stakeholders and partners.

“Living in retirement contains relevant material for seniors as a result of our collaboration with a variety of partners, many of whom deal with seniors’ issues on a regular basis and therefore, are well aware of their informational needs and the money matters they struggle with,” said Lucie Tedesco, Commissioner of FCAC.

The resource is a new addition to FCAC’s Life Event series, designed to help Canadians plan for important milestones in life so they make good financial decisions and reach their goals. Other events in the series include Planning your retirement, Living as a couple and Teaching children about money and are available on our website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

The launch of Living in retirement coincides with Financial Literacy Month in Canada. All month long in November, there are activities happening across the country to help Canadians increase their knowledge of personal finances. Both the Government of Canada and FCAC have hosted and participated in a number of events.

About FCAC

With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.

You can reach us through FCAC‘s Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting our website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

Information: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/acdi-cida.nsf/eng/HEL-1110224227-6D4

Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines on Friday, November 8, 2013, setting off landslides, knocking out power in several provinces, and cutting communications in the country’s central region. Thousands of lives are feared to have been lost, with a large number of injuries and destruction of property and infrastructure. Approximately 9.5 million people are reportedly affected , and although needs assessments are ongoing, humanitarian needs will be substantial.

Donation criteria for individual Canadians

For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities in response to the impact of Typhoon Haiyan on the Philippines and other affected countries, the government will set aside one dollar for the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. The government will use the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund to provide assistance through international and Canadian humanitarian organizations, employing established channels and procedures.

To be counted for the purposes of the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, donations from individual Canadians may not exceed $100,000 per individual and must be:

• monetary in nature.
• made to a registered Canadian charity that is receiving donations in response to the impact of Typhoon Haiyan.
• specifically earmarked for response to Typhoon Haiyan.
• be made between November 9 and December 9, 2013.

Donation criteria for registered charities

Registered charities declaring eligible donations must complete the declaration form. Forms must be received by DFATD on or before December 23 for donations to be counted towards the size of the relief fund.

To ensure that donations are eligible for the matching program, you should ensure that:

• the donation complies with the conditions outlined above,
• the registered charity receiving the donation will be using the funds in response to the humanitarian crisis related to the impact of Typhoon Haiyan, and
• the registered charity receiving the donation will be declaring it to DFATD.

Declaration form
It is up to the registered Canadian charity to certify, through the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Matching Fund 2013 Declaration Form, that the donations declared are eligible. Registered Canadian charities are under no obligation to declare donations to DFATD if they are not satisfied that they meet eligibility requirements. Registered charities declaring eligible donations must complete the declaration form. Forms must be received by DFATD on or before December 23 for donations to be counted towards the size of the relief fund.

The Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund is separate from the funds raised by charities and will be administered separately by the Government of Canada. This means that a charity declaring the amount of eligible donations raised does not receive a matching dollar from the Government of Canada. For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities, the government set aside one dollar for the fund. The government will use the fund to support the efforts of experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations to meet immediate needs in response to the crisis in the Philippines and other affected countries.

Guidelines for submitting proposals to the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund

The Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund will support experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations with significant in-country capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance in the Philippines and other affected countries.

Allocation of funds
Charitable organizations fundraising for the relief efforts in the Philippines and surrounding countries will not have privileged access to the fund. Allocation decisions will be based on DFATD’s humanitarian assistance guidelines and the ability of Canadian and international humanitarian organizations to access the affected populations and deliver timely, effective, and appropriate humanitarian assistance.

Ottawa, Ontario
9 November 2013

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on Typhoon Haiyan, which first hit the Philippines on November 8th:

“On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating natural disaster.

“Canada is standing by to offer any possible assistance to the Philippines in responding to this emergency. Our officials in Ottawa and at our mission in Manila continue to closely monitor the situation, and remain in contact with relevant local officials and humanitarian partners.

“I am keenly aware of all the Filipino-Canadians anxiously waiting for news on their loved ones.

“Relatives and friends seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected areas should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885. They may also send an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

HARPER GOVERNMENT PROTECTING WOMEN AND GIRLS FROM CYBER AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

RICHMOND, BC – On behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, the Hon. Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond today called on the local community to take action to prevent cyber and sexual violence against women and girls.

“Recent high-profile cases have made cyberviolence and sexual violence against women and girls top-of-mind concerns for Canadians,” said Minister Leitch. “Our Government is taking action by supporting projects at the local level to help prevent these forms of violence against women and girls.”

“Violence against women and girls has devastating and far-reaching effects on the community,” said MP Wong. “The projects supported by this call for proposals will reduce violence against women in Richmond and reach out to those who have been affected by such violence. I am proud of the Harper Government’s support for grassroots initiatives like these, which improve safety for women where they live and work.”

The Harper Government will be funding these new projects through a Status of Women Canada call for proposals entitled Cyber and Sexual Violence: Helping Communities Respond.

Applications by organizations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time on December 1st, 2013. For more information on the call for proposals and eligibility requirements, please visit women.gc.ca.

In addition to this new call for proposals, the Harper Government recently announced in the Speech from the Throne its intention to introduce legislation that will give police and prosecutors new tools to address cyberbullying. This legislation will also create a new criminal offence prohibiting the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.

Since 2007, the Harper Government has funded more than $62 million for projects to end violence against women and girls through the Women’s Program at Status of Women Canada. Government of Canada support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across the country.

Later this month, the Harper Government will recognize 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, and will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2013, as well as Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6, 2013.

For media inquiries only:
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Tel: 819-953-5646
Fax: 819-994-5168

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
Tel: 613-995-7839