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Executive Council
June 15, 2009

Minister Announces Sessions for Women Interested
in Running for Municipal Government

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, today announced that a series of lunch and learn sessions will be held around the province to encourage women to run in the municipal general elections this fall.

"These sessions are designed to encourage women to consider running for public office in the municipal elections in September or in the future," said Minister Dunderdale. "Events specifically engaging women are important as women make up more than half of the population, yet only hold 24 per cent of elected positions on municipal governments."

These events will be held throughout June in Port aux Basques, Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville and Corner Brook, with more events being planned over the summer months. The sessions are sponsored by the Provincial Government in conjunction with regional status of women councils.

"Municipal councillors play an invaluable role in strengthening services and exploring opportunities to secure the future of communities across Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Attracting good people with new ideas is essential to ensuring that municipalities remain vibrant and viable.  Women too have an important role to play in local government, and can bring a fresh and unique perspective to the table. I strongly encourage anyone interested in improving their communities to consider running for their council on September 29."

"Volunteers are vital to municipal governments and play an important role as this province grows and thrives," said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. "Getting involved as a member of a municipal council is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I encourage women of all ages to participate in this year�s elections."

"Women provide valuable insight and perspective into social, economic and environmental issues, which have an impact on the well-being of us all," said Minister Dunderdale. "We therefore need more women at the forefront providing advice and influencing change. I encourage all women to learn about the difference they can make in their communities and the province and find out more about what they need to do to get elected."

Each seminar will feature women in leadership roles from local and provincial governments.

Event details are as follows:

Date and Time

Location

Featuring

Contact

Tuesday,

June 16

12:00 noon

St. Christopher's Hotel

Port aux Basques

Hon. Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East Gateway Status of Women Council

709-695-7505

Friday,

June 19

12:00 noon

Mount Peyton Hotel
Grand Falls-Windsor

 

 

Hon. Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans

Janice Eisenhauer, councillor, Grand Falls-Windsor

Jody Fancey, Mayor of Bishop�s Falls

Status of Women Central

709-489-8919

 

 

 

Friday,

June 19

12:00 noon

The Royal Canadian Legion

Stephenville

Hon. Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for St. George�s-Stephenville East

Leona Webb, Deputy Mayor, Stephenville Crossing

Laura Alyward, councillor,

Stephenville

Bay St. George Status of Women Council
709-643-4444
Monday,

June 29

12:00 noon

Greenwood Inn
Corner Brook
Hon. Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island

Donna Luther, councillor, Corner Brook

Corner Brook Status of Women Council

709-639-8522

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Erin Molloy
Communications Specialist
Women�s Policy Office
709-729-6225, 693-7938
erinmolloy@gov.nl.ca
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 
Lesley Clarke
Communications Specialist
Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-6026, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca
 

2009 06 15                                                       2:15 p.m.
 


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