August 15, 1996
(Social Services)

Social Policy Advisory Committee members appointed

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Social Services, announced today the appointment of members to the Social Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC), which will coordinate the consultation process for government's Strategic Social Plan. This committee is independent of government and is made up of representatives from a wide range of interest groups and organizations from different regions of the province.

Members of the SPAC are: Angela Abbott, Wabush; Greg Anthony of Patterson, Palmer, Hunt and Murphy law firm, St. John's; Colleen Buckle, St. Anthony; Dr. Gale Burford, School of Social Work, Memorial University, St. John's; Elizabeth Chaulk, Corner Brook; Dr. Frank Clarke, Education/Community Development, Victoria, CB; Mary Ennis, Consumer Organization for the Disabled, St. John's; Brenda Fitzgerald, Community Health-St. John's; Ruth Flowers, Makkovik; Debbie Forward, Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union, St. John's; Joyce Hancock, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, St. John's; Beverley Kirby, Kippens; Mary May Osmond, Innu Alcohol Program, Sheshashui; George Saunders, Bishop's Falls; and Dr. Margaret Scott, St. John's.

"The appointment of the Strategic Social Plan Advisory Committee brings us one step closer to the public consultation process which will occur during the fall," said the minister. "Through this process, which will be led by Ms. Penelope Rowe, the people of the province will be given an opportunity to express their views on areas such as health care, education, justice and social services with a view to helping decide on the future direction of social development in this province. It is our hope that through the consultation process, people will assist government in deciding how we should share the responsibility for maintaining our social system. I encourage the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to get involved in this consultation process and to share the benefit of their experience, advice and ideas."

The Social Policy Advisory Committee will announce the dates and locations for public consultations in the next few weeks. Individuals wishing to discuss the Strategic Social Plan, who are looking for a copy of the consultation paper, or who would like more information on the consultation process may do so by calling toll-free at 1-800-814-5611. Individuals may also contact the Social Policy Advisory Committee at P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF A1B 4J6, by telephoning (709) 729-2646, by faxing (709) 738-2469, by e-mail sspac@porthole.entnet.nf.ca or on the world wide web at www.gov.nl.ca/ssp.htm.

Contact: Penelope Rowe, (709) 729-2646.