MELFORT WOMEN'S GROUP RECEIVES INTERNET ACCESS AND TRAINING GRANT

Released on July 30, 1998

Andy Renaud, MLA for Carrot River Valley, on behalf of Judy Bradley,

minister responsible for the Status of Women, today presented a

Melfort women's organization with a grant to enable them to access the

Internet and train members to use the new communications technologies.



The Metis Heritage Corporation "Women of the Corporation" will receive

$9,000 from the Women's Organizations On Line Program, an initiative

of the Saskatchewan Women's Secretariat.



"This program will strengthen the ability of community groups to deal

with pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment and family

violence," Renaud said.



"This funding will provide our organization with the opportunity to

link with groups more frequently and efficiently, access up-to-date

information quickly and help us effectively meet the needs of our

clients and members," Metis Heritage Corporation "Women of the

Corporation" President Debra Edin said.



The majority of groups receiving funding provide support and services

to lower income women, First Nations or Metis women, rural or northern

women, visible minority and immigrant women and women who are victims

of violence.



Renaud noted that at a recent Internet symposium for Saskatchewan

women, keynote speaker and President of Meta Strategies Inc. Liz

Rykert stated that this program is in the forefront in Canada and

that Saskatchewan is leading the way for other provinces and

territories.



"We look forward to Saskatchewan women's organizations' strong

presence online locally, nationally and internationally," Renaud

said.



The Metis Heritage Corporation "Women of the Corporation"

provides education regarding Metis history, culture, values and

traditions, and assists people living in social, political, or

economic disadvantage.



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For more information, contact:



Cheryl Senecal

Women's Secretariat

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-7423



Debra Edin

Metis Heritage Corporation "Women of the Corporation"

Melfort

Phone: (306) 752-4950