May 15, 1996
(Executive Council)

Minister announces new vision for Status of Women portfolio

Julie Bettney, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced today a new structure for the Status of Women portfolio. The board of the Provincial Advisory Council is an external agency which monitors government action, provides independent advice and lobbies on behalf of the women of the province. Restructuring the council will make available seven of its 11 seats for representatives from each of the Status of Women Councils in the province. These councils provide advocacy and support for women in their area and offer a gender perspective to community development work.

"In our efforts to ensure continued progress for equality of women and at the same time recognize our fiscal constraints, it is necessary to provide these groups with greater input into policy development that addresses their concerns. It is also important for the provincial agency, the Advisory Council, to keep in touch with local initiatives and issues. We must work cooperatively and effectively to achieve our common goals," says Bettney.

The Status of Women Councils will be invited to nominate representatives to the Provincial Advisory Council Board. Government has appointed the remaining four positions as follows: President, Joyce Hancock, Stephenville; and three members, Susan Hollet, Clarenville; Debbie Armstrong, Grand Falls-Windsor and Ruth Flowers, Makkovik. "It is my intention," says Bettney, "to ensure that the new board is representative of cultural and geographical differences and of special needs groups. New board members, as in the past, will have expertise in a wide variety of areas, such as education, health, business and community development". Ms. Bettney conveys her appreciation to the outgoing board members for their contributions to the council and looks forward to their continued support of the council's work.

This restructuring is part of a new vision for the Status of Women portfolio, which will see the Women's Policy Office and the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women working closely to bring the perspectives of grassroots organizations to the government policy-making process. "Strengthening the mechanism whereby departments are accountable for taking women's perspectives into account will ensure a more integrated approach to women's issues," says Bettney.

Contact: Cindy Christopher, Public Relations Specialist, Women's Policy Office, (709) 729-5730.

BACKGROUNDER

JOYCE HANCOCK
     Joyce Hancock of Stephenville has been acting in the position of
president of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women
since Ms. Williams left the position in January.  She has a long history
of activism in the women's movement, and has been highly recommended by
women's groups throughout the province.  Ms. Hancock has a background in
psychology and nursing, and has 20 years experience in community
development, much of which has been served in her capacity as executive 
director of the Bay St. George Status of Women Council.


SUSAN HOLLET
     Susan Hollet of Clarenville is a former vice-president of
Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador who will bring a business
perspective to the council.  In addition, Ms. Hollet has been
instrumental recently in attempting to form a Status of Women Council
for the Clarenville area.


DEBBIE ARMSTRONG
     Debbie Armstrong represents a reappointment to the council.  She
contributes a strong educational perspective.  Ms. Armstrong has a
B.Sp.Ed from Memorial University and a M.Ed. from Mount Saint Vincent
University.  She has over 16 years work experience which includes
teaching children with challenging needs as well as primary and
elementary school children. 


RUTH FLOWERS
     Ruth Flowers also represents a reappointment to the council.  Ms.
Flowers has a strong history of representing aboriginal women's
concerns.  She received the 1995 Governor General's Award for the
Persons Case in recognition of her advocacy work.  She is the president
and founding member of the recently formed Labrador Inuit Women's
Association referred to as TIA.