I'd be happy to do that.
We felt we didn't have the kinds of relationships with rural organizations that we should, so we put out the specific call. The response that came back was overwhelming. Clearly there is a need in the rural and remote areas.
For instance there aren't a lot of NGOs in Nunavut. It then made us think we should change our terms and conditions so we can partner with a government like Nunavut's so we can help deliver important projects in rural and remote areas like that.
But it's true—whether it's through community planning initiatives we're working on for safety within small rural communities or partnerships to identify and respond to specific needs like isolation, economic security, or insecurity in rural and remote areas—women living in small towns and small cities are facing very specific issues and challenges.
These really are excellent projects. We were thrilled because we were able to make connections and build relationships with these organizations that we didn't have in the past through Status of Women, and so we'll continue to work with them.