Executive Council
August 10, 2009

Information Session for Women Interested in Municipal Politics

As part of the Provincial Government�s Make Your Mark NL campaign, the St. John�s Status of Women Council is hosting a complimentary lunch and learn session tomorrow (Tuesday, August 11) to promote the active involvement of women in municipal government. The session is designed to encourage women to run in the upcoming municipal election on September 29.

"This event will give women an opportunity to understand the value of and benefits associated with participation in municipal politics," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "The information provided to those women in attendance will give them the support and confidence they need to step up to the plate and decide to run in September�s election."

The lunch and learn session is being held at the Holiday Inn in St. John�s from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Featured speakers include the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs; Shannie Duff, Councillor-at-Large; and the Honourable Flora MacDonald, former federal cabinet minister, humanitarian and visionary.

"Women bring a unique perspective to the table with regards to certain social issues including families, healthcare, education and the overall quality of life in their municipalities," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I encourage all women to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get involved and make a difference in their communities."

The Provincial Government, in partnership with the regional status of women councils, is sponsoring a series of lunch and learn sessions across the province. Each session will promote increased female representation in municipal government. To date, women hold approximately 24 per cent of elected positions on municipal governments in the province. For more information, please contact the St. John�s Status of Women Council at 709-753-0220.

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Media contacts:

Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2009 08 10                                                    9:35 a.m.


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