A First Nations MLA is representing Saskatchewan at the federal-provincial meeting on the Status of Women.

Jennifer Campeau of the Saskatoon-Fairview constituency says she is pleased to be in Halifax for the event.

She says violence against women is one of the main themes to be covered at the conference.

Campeau explains one of the ways Saskatchewan is trying to help the situation is by increasing the amount of educational opportunities that are out there.

“This resonates with me, because I’m a single mother.  Education has certainly played a huge part in my life and me combatting poverty, because I grew up in poverty, as well.” 

She says economic hardship can be a deterrent for a woman who wants to escape an abusive relationship.

Campeau says between 2006 and 2011, the number of women who were employed in the province increased by an average of one per cent per year.