Supporting Women's Programs

Contributed - Mar 16, 2007 / 11:57 am | Story: 27766

Supporting Women’s Programs to Strengthen Our Community

As the Member of Parliament for Kelowna Lake Country and as a member of Canada’s New Government, I believe that making a real difference in the lives of women in their communities is the best way to help women meet the challenges they face in fighting for their equality and supporting themselves and their families.

Locally, we are fortunate to have hard working organizations dedicated to assisting women in our community. I would especially like to acknowledge Eileen Robinson who became the first recipient of the Gert Beadle Award presented by the Kelowna Women’s Resource Centre. The award was fittingly awarded on March 8th, International Women’s Day.

It was but one of many ceremonies and conferences that took place around the world during International Women’s week and provided an opportunity for our federal government to reiterate its support for women to ensure women’s full participation in the economic, social and cultural life of the country. I was pleased to note that my colleague, Minister Bev Oda announced an additional $5 million in new funding towards the Women's Program in Status of Women Canada, as well as an innovative new funding mechanism for this program.

As of April 1, 2007, the Women's Program will have two components: the Women's Community Fund and the Women's Partnership Fund. The Women's Community Fund will continue to support projects at the local, regional and national level undertaken by community organizations in meeting their objectives to enable the full participation of women in all aspects of life. The budget for this component has been increased to $12.3 million from $10.8 million.

The newly created Women's Partnership Fund will encourage organizations and other levels of government to work in partnership supporting projects they believe will assist women in their daily lives. Due to the leveraging potential of this component, the $3 million Partnership Fund will generate greater resources for non-governmental organizations to make a real difference for Canadian women. The projects will be larger and more women will benefit.

By working with local organizations and respecting jurisdictional responsibilities, I am convinced that these programs, available to every community across Canada, can directly enhance the opportunities women seek in meeting their challenges. Through this new component, federal tax dollars will go further by being matched with a commitment from other partners.

The $5 million found in efficiencies and streamlining at Status of Women Canada is now directly available to support projects for women. This will result in the Women's Program annual budget increasing by 42 per cent. At $15.3 million, this makes the budget the highest level ever in the history of Status of Women Canada.

These programs will enhance the work of our government which has taken numerous real steps to enhance our support of Canadian women in their daily lives. Bills to address the rights of aboriginal women and make communities safer from violent repeat sexual offenders coupled with action on making Guaranteed Income Supplements more accessible, pension income splitting and more support for immigrant settlement homes are demonstrations of real concrete action. I am proud to be part of a government that acts and makes a difference.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa.

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada. Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment. 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.

The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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