NLIS 3
March 30, 2004
(Executive Council)

 

Increase in Funding to Women�s Advocacy Groups

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the eight regional Status of Women Councils/Centres will split an additional $80,000 in funding with Budget 2004. The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women will receive $40,000 and the Status of Women�s Councils/Centres will receive $40,000.

"Although the province is financially challenged, government has committed to ensuring that women�s voices are heard and women�s needs met," said Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "Government recognizes the important role played by the Provincial Advisory Council and the Status of Women Councils/Centres in the quest for social and economic equality for women in Newfoundland and Labrador. This commitment to additional funding, at this time, indicates government�s confidence that these organizations represent smart investments in social programming."

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women is a provincially mandated body which conducts consultations and research to advise government and the public on issues relating to the social, economic, heath and legal status of women across the province. The Status of Women�s Councils/Centres are independent entities established by community groups and are funded through a service contract with government. They offer direct counseling and referral services to women in their areas, mobilize community action around issues which affect women and conduct consultation and research on issues affecting the status of women in their region. Today�s announcement will see additional funding go to women�s centres in St. John�s, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Port aux Basques, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West.

"The advocacy work of these organizations is invaluable to government and to the communities they serve," said Minister Burke. "Together, they provide a grassroots resource to understanding the challenges faced by women in this province. The workload is tremendous and that is why we felt that increased funding for the women�s centres is important."

Media contact: Kelly Foss, Communications (709) 729-6225

BACKGROUNDER Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women

  • The Provincial Advisory Council is an arm�s length body, funded by the provincial government.
  • The council has broad regional representation and is mandated to consult with, research and advise government and the public on matters relating to the status of women.
  • It undertakes advocacy, lobbying and educational activities on issues that affect women�s social and economic equality.
  • The council consists of an 11-member board, including President Joyce Hancock.

Women�s Centres

  • Women�s centres are run by provincial Status of Women Councils.
  • The centres used to be funded by the federal government through Status of Women Canada. However, as of April 1998, they became ineligible for operating funds from Status of Women Canada.
  • Although the councils can still apply to the federal government for project funding, their chances of continuing to operate without a stable source of funding are considerably reduced.
  • Recognizing the value of women�s centres, the provincial government provided the Status of Women Councils with funding for the centres beginning in the 1998-99 fiscal year.
  • The women�s centres are responsive to the economic and social realities of their areas.

2004 03 30                                    2:15 p.m.


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