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February 7, 1997
(Executive Council)

Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women meet

Atlantic Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women held their Annual Meeting in St. John's today. The meeting was chaired by Julie Bettney, provincial Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, with Eleanor Norrie of Nova Scotia and Marcelle Mersereau of New Brunswick in attendance.

Ministers began their meeting by signing a proclamation for Atlantic Family Violence Prevention Week, February 9-15. "Violence affects all members of society and is our collective responsibility," stated Ms. Bettney. "During Valentine's week we are called to remember and cherish our loved ones, making this an appropriate time to work towards eliminating violence from our lives."

Ministers will be working together to ensure policy and program development in their provinces takes into account the impact on women. "Major initiatives in health, education, and social services reform, both at federal and provincial levels, must support gains made by women in the past and provide positive direction for the future," emphasized Ms. Norrie.

Ministers will take steps to bring national attention to the need for more simplified procedures for out-of-province support orders. "Simplifying procedures will mean women and their children will receive support payments in a shorter time," said Ms. Mersereau.

Ministers also noted the current opportunities for women to become involved in resource development projects in the Atlantic provinces. They agreed to develop a "best practices" document, to summarize measures to support the entry and retention of women in employment related to major construction and resource development projects.

Ministers expressed deep concern about the current status of Bill C41 which revises income tax provisions and introduces guidelines for child support in the case of divorce, which is now under consideration in the Senate of Canada. "Women's groups have advocated for many years for a more equitable child support system. We would urge the Senate not to delay this important legislation for women," said Ms. Bettney.

Contact:

• Cindy Christopher
  Women's Policy Office
  Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
  (709) 729-5730
  
  Frances McGinn
  Executive Council Office
  Government of New Brunswick
  (506) 453-2985
  
  Brigitte Neumann
  Advisory Council on the Status of Women
  Government of Nova Scotia
  (902) 424-7548