MOOSE JAW WOMEN'S GROUP RECEIVES INTERNET ACCESS AND TRAINING GRANT

Released on July 30, 1998

Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert and Legislative Assembly

Speaker Glenn Hagel on behalf of Judy Bradley, minister responsible

for the Status of Women, today presented a Moose Jaw women's

organization with a grant to enable them to access the Internet and

train members to use the new communications technologies.



The Immigrant, Refugee and Visible Minority Women of Saskatchewan,

Moose Jaw Chapter will receive $7,000 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," Calvert 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," Immigrant, Refugee and Visible Minority Women of

Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw Chapter President Tharadevi Maharaj 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.



Calvert 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," Calvert

said.



The Immigrant, Refugee and Visible Minority Women of

Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw Chapter provides a forum for immigrant,

refugee and visible minority women to voice their needs. It

promotes and co-ordinates services related to adjustment and

integration into Canadian society.



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For more information, contact:



Neena Saxena Tharadevi Maharaj

Women's Secretariat Immigrant, Refugee and Visible

Regina Minority Women of Saskatchewan

Phone: (306) 787-7012 Moose Jaw Chapter

Phone: (306) 692-5669