Government allocates an additional $50,000 to Provincial Advisory Council
on the Status of Women

Government has allocated an additional $50,000 to the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women to ensure they have sufficient core funding to bring forward to government issues of importance to women, to conduct consultations and to analyze the social, economic, health and legal status of women in this province.

Mandated by provincial legislation to advise government, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women performs an essential function in assisting with the gender inclusive analysis of policies and programs. The council also facilitates community development by assisting women to mobilize around issues of critical importance to them.

As part of the community development process, the council encourages and supports women to come forward for leadership roles as appointed members of boards, elected representatives on municipal councils and school boards, and as participants in other important decision-making arenas. The voice and perspective of women are vital to the welfare of communities and necessary for government in its creation of policies and programs which are truly gender inclusive.

Sandra Kelly, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, said: "The research, analysis and advice provided by the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women assists government in identifying issues key to advancing the status of women, addressing inequities, ensuring opportunities for full participation in decisions which affect them and their communities and creating policies and programs which are gender inclusive.

"Only through the equal participation of women in decision-making and the inclusion of their perspectives will we find approaches which are equitable and ensure the welfare of our communities and the province as a whole."

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-1792.

2002 03 21                              3:00 p.m.