July 5, 1996
(Executive Council)

New appointments to Status of Women Council

Julie Bettney, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced today the appointment of six new members to the board of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for a three year term. She recently restructured the council to make available seven of its seats to representatives from each of the local status of women councils in the province. Debbie Armstrong of Grand Falls-Windsor has been appointed vice-president and six of the seven local councils have chosen their representatives. Their representatives include Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of Women Council), Susan White-Hoddinott (Corner Brook Status of Women Council), Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of Women Council, Stephenville), Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women Council), Ann-Marie Johnson (Gateway Status of Women Council, Port aux Basques), and Yvonne Maes (Mokami Status of Women Council, Happy Valley-Goose Bay). St. John's Council has decided to nominate their representative after their annual general meeting in August at which time they will consult their full membership for recommendations.

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. The local status of women 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 the local councils 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.

As in the past, the new board represents a variety of cultural and geographical differences and the new board members have expertise in a wide variety of areas. 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.

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

BACKGROUNDER Debbie Armstrong

• Debbie Armstrong represents a reappointment to the council. 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.

Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of Women Council)

• Ms. Squires is a former teacher of 30 years experience and currently serving as alternate for the Wabush area position on the Hyron Regional Economic Development Board. Ms. Squires has been a member of the Labrador West Status of Women Council for approximately 10 years and is presently vice-president and treasurer of the council.

Susan White-Hoddinott (Corner Brook Status of Women Council)

• Ms. White-Hoddinott's involvement with the Status of Women dates back to 1985. She has many years of paid and volunteer work within the community to advance women's concerns. Her particular area of expertise is the provision of support services to women and children who are victims of violence.

Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of Women Council)

• Ms. Skinner is immediate past-president of the Bay St. George Women's Council and has been the Newfoundland and Labrador representative on the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. She is a social worker by profession, and presently works as a counsellor at the Sexual Abuse Community Services Program in Stephenville.

Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women Council)

• Ms. Devereaux is a founding mother of both the Gander Status of Women Council and Cara Transition House and remains involved with both groups. Her background is in education, psychology and community development. She has been actively involved in the women's movement for 20 years.

Ann-Marie Johnson (Gateway Status of Women Council)

• Ms. Johnson has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Gateway Status of Women Council since 1994 and is currently chairperson. Ms. Johnson is presently employed as coordinator of the Port aux Basques Community Employment Corporation.

Yvonne Maes (Mokami Status of Women Council)

• Ms. Maes is currently president of the Mokami Status of Women Council and treasurer of Libra Transition House. Her current work experience includes coordinator and trainer for the Intervention Programs for Sex Offenders and Batterers with Labrador Legal Services, and facilitator for Women's Groups and Anger Management Sessions.