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October 19, 1999
(Human Resources and Employment)


Status of women appointments for the new millennium

Julie Bettney, minister responsible for the Status of Women, announced today the appointment of the Board of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for a three-year term. Among the names announced are Joyce Hancock who has been reappointed as President of the Council. Clarenville businessperson and community activist Susan Hollett has also been reappointed, this time as vice-president.

Dr. Phyllis Artiss, of Memorial University's Women's Studies Program, joins the board this year along with representatives of the seven status of women councils in the province.

The Board of the Provincial Advisory Council is an external agency that monitors government action, provides independent advice and lobbies on behalf of the women of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1996, Minister Bettney restructured the board to make seven of its eleven seats available to representatives from each of the local status of women councils in the province.

These councils provide advocacy and support for women in their area and bring a gender perspective to community development work. The restructuring has contributed to a new vision for the Status of Women portfolio by bringing the perspective of grassroots groups to the government's decision making process.

"I have been very pleased with the work of the Provincial Advisory Council over the past three years," says Minister Bettney. "I appreciate the collaborative working relationship it has developed with government and the community and I am looking forward to working with the new council on women's equality issues as we enter the new millennium."

The representatives of the local advisory councils include: Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of Women Council), Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of Women Council), Wanda Lawrence (Gateway Status of Women Council), Michelle House (Corner Brook Status of Women Council), Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women Council) and Agnieszka Kosney (St. John's Status of Women Council). A representative of the Mokami Status of Women Council and an eleventh member of the Provincial Advisory Council Board will be appointed at a later date.

The new council brings together women with a wide array of experiences in areas such as health, education, business and community development. The minister commends the outgoing board for its service and says it has laid a strong foundation for the new board.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, (709) 729 4062.

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BACKGROUNDER

Joyce Hancock of Stephenville will be serving a second term as President of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She has a long history of activism in the women's movement. Ms. Hancock has a background in psychology and nursing, and has 20 years experience in community development, much of which had been served in her capacity as executive director of the Bay St. George Status of Women Council. Ms. Hancock is also a member of the Premier's Council on Social Development.

Susan Hollett is being appointed for a second term, this time as Vice President. Ms. Hollett is from Clarenville and is a business person and community activist. She is president of Hollett and Sons Inc., a market research and competitive intelligence firm in Shoal Harbour. She has experience as a former public servant in community and business development, most recently as chair of the Premier's Council on Social Development.

Dr. Phyllis Artiss of St. John's is associate professor in the English Language and Literature and Women's Studies Programs at Memorial University. She is currently involved in community-based research that involves assessing literacy and computer needs, opportunities and potential of women and families who are members of family resource centres. Dr. Artiss brings experience from involvement in a number of community groups including OXFAM, Innu and Inuit Support Group, Community Alliance for Better Solutions and the St. John's Status of Women Council.

Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of Women Council) is being reappointed to the council for a second term. Ms. Squires is a former teacher with 30 years experience and has served on the Hyron Regional Economic Development Board. Ms. Squires has been a member of the Labrador West Status of Women Council for approximately 13 years.

Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of Women Council) is being reappointed to the council for a second term. Ms. Skinner is a Past-President of the Bay St. George Status of Women 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 currently works as a counsellor at the Sexual Abuse Community Services Program in Stephenville.

Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women Council) is also being reappointed to the council for a second term. 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.

Wanda Lawrence (Gateway Status of Women Council). Ms. Lawrence has been active in community economic development for the past 10 years. She is currently treasurer of the Gateway Status of Women Council.

Agnieszka Kosny (St. John's Status of Women Council). Ms. Kosny is the coordinator of the Women's Health Network. She has a Masters Degree in Women's Studies and has conducted research into women's health issues. She is an active member of the St. John's Status of Women Council.

Michelle House (Corner Brook Status of Women Council). Ms. House has been actively involved with the Corner Brook Status of Women Council and Committee on Family Violence for the past number of years. She has worked in the addictions field, as administrator of Transition House in Corner Brook, and as a private practitioner.

1999 10 19 5:00 p.m.


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