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Minister recognizes 25th anniversary of Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, congratulates the board of directors and staff of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women on celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2005. Women have different perspectives, experiences and priorities which are important to the social and economic development of this province. The Provincial Advisory Council is one of government�s key mechanisms in bringing those perspectives to the attention of government. This independent organization, funded by the provincial government, has a mandate to advise, advocate and educate government and the public on matters pertaining to the status of women in Newfoundland and Labrador. "We all know that the women of our province feel the impact of social issues most," said Minister Burke. "Women have borne the brunt of the collapse of our fishery, the downturn in our economy and the monumental financial crisis we now face as a province. Despite these challenges, women in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to remain at the forefront of our communities � as leaders, as volunteers and at the grassroots level � raising concerns about social, economic and environmental issues that have an impact on the health and livelihood of women, their families and our communities." Minister Burke is pleased to note that she met with the Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) and received their five demands for government action. In partnership with her federal colleagues, Minister Burke will be providing a response to the demands outlined by FAFIA. "I am pleased to report that on some of the issues outlined by FAFIA, this province is already taking action and, in fact, is ahead of many other jurisdictions in Canada," said Minister Burke. In the 1990s, the federal government eliminated their Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and cut operational funding to women �s centres. "This province is one of few in Canada which has retained their provincial advisory council. When the federal government cut operational funding to women�s centres, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador stepped in to provide them with operational funding," said Minister Burke. "We now provide $55,000 annually to eight regional women�s centres and, in last year�s budget, increased funding to both the women�s centres and the advisory council. Despite severe fiscal restraints, this government continues to fill the gap left by Ottawa. This is a clear indication of the importance we place on the work of such centres and the issues affecting the women of our province. "As the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I want to assure the advisory council, and all women in this province, of my commitment to working with you to advance the status of women and strengthen community capacity to address these issues," said Minister Burke. "This is a time for celebration and a time to take stock of where we are and the work that still needs to be done. We can advance most effectively by continuing to work together on our complex issues and to work strategically to make the most of our limited financial resources." Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications (709) 729-4062, 689-2624 2005 01 28 1:50 p.m. |
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