Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since 1990, the Status of Women Council of the NWT has supported women in the north to reach their full potential. The council was established by the territorial government to raise awareness of women's issues. The Status of Women Council plays an important role in the development of northern communities. With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is providing the council with $30,000 in additional funding.
This funding will provide the council with the opportunity to develop and deliver workshops to northern communities on:
-women and the role they can play in community development;
-increased participation of women in community leadership positions; and
-increased participation of women in decision making opportunities at the community level.
It is with these objectives in mind that the department is providing the council with training funds. The council is in a unique situation where they can deliver training through their extensive network of centres and volunteers across the north. Furthermore, the training project meets many of MACA's objectives towards developing communities, which include building local capacity, and facilitating community based planning, organizational development and effective leadership.
The Status of Women Council will contribute to the department's goal of community empowerment, by supporting women to be more active participants in the development of their community. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for both the Status of Women and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, I am very pleased to be able to contribute to this worthwhile initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause