News Release

Halifax Hosts National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada Training Program Graduation

(Tuesday, March 10, 2009) Councillor Sue Uteck, Northwest Arm-South End, will host the training program graduation and celebration ceremony for the National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada (NOIVMWC) on Friday, March 13th at Halifax City Hall starting at 1 PM.

In February and March of this year, hundreds of organizations across Canada are participating in community presentations about a new training project for the integration of Immigrant and visible minority women into Canada’s workforce and boardrooms. Halifax is one of the six Canadian cities taking part. The Halifax graduation and celebration ceremony is entitled “Diversity in Your Organization: Starting at the Top”.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration,” says Councillor Uteck. “This project enables the participants to recognize skills and abilities they did not know they had and gives them the confidence they need to pursue their goals.”

The project involved regular orientation and training sessions for the women in each city and paired them with a mentor to guide them in realizing their leadership goals or having them join existing boards or organizations. The Status of Women Canada funds the training project through its Women’s Community Fund. Ninety-four women have joined the Project, so far, across Canada. In Halifax, the NOIVMWC, mentors and the community worked together to support sixteen women in pursuing their leadership goals and to bring their skills, talents and enthusiasm to the community.

What:   Training Program Graduation and Celebration Ceremony for the National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada

When:   Friday, March 13, 2009, at 1:00 PM

Where:  Halifax Hall, Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street

-30-

Contact:

Councillor Sue Uteck
Northwest Arm - South End
425-1724

Mirsada Stasevic

293-4124 or mstasevi@dal.ca