On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown is pleased to announce Government of Canada support for a project that helps improve community safety for women and girls. Women's Support Network of York Region has received $213,547 in funding from the Status of Women for a project to help young girls at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

“Our Government is proud to support grassroots projects like this one that better the lives of women and girls across Canada,”said Minister Ambrose. “We encourage women and girls of all backgrounds to reach for their dreams, to take advantage of our country's many opportunities, and to participate as active and equal members of their communities.”

“This project will have a lasting effect on the lives of women and girls in York Region,” said MP Brown.

Funding for the project is part of the innovative Blueprint Project initiative launched by Status of Women Canada in February 2011. Blueprint Projects are a series of seven ready-made project models that address one or more of Status of Women Canada’s priority areas: ending violence against women and girls; improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity; and encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting worthwhile projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening our families, our communities and our country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government’s support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.