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 |