May 31, 1996
(Executive Council)

Newfoundland and Labrador takes lead on national public awareness campaign

Julie Bettney participated in the Annual Meeting of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women which concluded in Winnipeg, Manitoba today. "Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased to take the lead on a national public awareness campaign designed to build self-esteem and self-confidence among young women," stated Ms. Bettney.

Continuing their efforts to strengthen and broaden the ability of girls and young women to make education and career choices, ministers agreed to pursue partnerships with the private sector to launch the campaign in the coming year.

Ministers agreed to work together to incorporate the realities of women's lives into economic and social policy decision making. Acknowledging that new information is emerging about the specific impact of proposed Canada Pension Plan reforms on women, Ms. Bettney and her colleagues agreed to approach Ministers of Finance to communicate their concern that gender implications be fully taken into account before the review is concluded.

Ms. Bettney has also agreed to take the lead on behalf of her provincial/territorial colleagues to ensure that women's perspectives are taken into account in the Social Policy Reform process currently under way.

Beyond the Violence: Reaching for Higher Ground is a resource guide to violence prevention and intervention initiatives and best practices, which ministers released today to help governments and community organizations take action on violence. Other issues discussed at the meeting included women's access to the justice system, the reciprocal enforcement of maintenance orders, the promotion of economic independence and equality for women, and the use of gender analysis as an important tool for closing the gender gap.

The next meeting of F/P/T ministers is scheduled for Nova Scotia in June 1997.

     Contact:  Cindy Christopher
               Public Relations Specialist
               Women's Policy Office
               729-5730