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Minister honours first female MHA elected post-Confederation In honour of International Women�s Week, March 7-13, 2004, Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, will make a special presentation to Hazel (Gillam) McIsaac, the first female Member of the House of Assembly elected post-Confederation. Born in Robinsons, Ms. McIsaac was elected to represent the St. Georges district for the Liberal party on September 16, 1975. She also served in municipal politics as councilor, town clerk, town manager, deputy mayor and mayor of the town of St. Georges. "Ms. McIsaac�s daughter recalls her mother as a strong-willed woman who saw obstacles as something to go over, around or through," said Minister Burke. "While serving her district, her top priorities were improving the lives of the people who lived in her community and protecting the region�s natural resources. I am pleased to be representing that very same region today and to have this opportunity to recognize her." The Canadian theme for International Women�s Week 2004 is "She�s on a role." It encourages Canadians to take a closer look at what has been accomplished to promote gender equality and build Canada into the country it is today, as well as celebrates the many women who continue to work towards these goals. "While it was never Ms. McIsaac�s intention to be a role model for Newfoundland and Labrador women � as someone who strongly believed in doing something because she wanted to do it, no matter what barriers and opposition she might face � she certainly proved to be a shining example for women to follow," said Minister Burke. "By having the courage to offer herself for public service, Ms. McIsaac showed women like myself that we can do the same." While things are changing, statistics show women still have a long way to go before they are equally represented in municipal, provincial and federal politics. While women are 51 per cent of the population they only hold 21 percent of the seats in the House of Commons and 16 per cent of the House of Assembly. Women also make up just 28 per cent of all municipal councilors in this province. "The ability of a government to make wise decisions depends on the experience, analysis and input of both men and women," said Minister Burke. "I strongly believe that, when women take their rightful place at the decision-making table with men, our systems and decisions will be balanced and our lives enriched. That�s why I would applaud the courage of Ms. McIsaac and her decision to lead by example." In addition to a token of appreciation from Minister Burke to Ms. McIsaac, government is also presenting a framed photograph of Ms. McIsaac for public display in the St. Georges Town Office. The presentation will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the atrium of the New Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville on Monday, March 8. Media Contact: Kelly Foss, Women�s Policy Office (709) 729-6225 2004 03 08 11:25 a.m. |
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