FOR RELEASE     #05-076
March 23, 2005

WHITEHORSE - The 2005-06 Yukon government budget will include $207,000 for Women's Directorate initiatives to help end violence against women and children.

"The Yukon government is committed to preventing violence against women in our communities. We are drawing upon recommendations from women to deliver programs that will help ensure safe, healthy communities," Premier Dennis Fentie said, speaking on behalf of Elaine Taylor, the minister responsible for the Women's Directorate.

Aboriginal women and wellness initiatives will receive $100,000 towards preventing domestic and sexual assault. This funding will support aboriginal women's organizations to work proactively on issues identified by women in the communities. Funding applications will be available this summer.

The Women's Directorate will also receive $60,000 for a First Nations liaison coordinator. The primary focus for the coordinator will be to lead an interagency working group involving the Department of Justice and stakeholder groups that will develop a long-term anti-violence campaign. This position is being staffed as part of the Yukon government representative public service plan to increase First Nations employment within government.

Finally, $47,000 will go towards piloting a self-advocacy training course for women. The course is currently being developed to support women in the legal system who either cannot afford a lawyer or are not eligible for legal aid.

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