Minister Recognizes Women's Centres Work on Status of Women Issues

This year marks the 35th anniversary of operation for the Corner Brook Women's Centre, one of eight Status of Women Councils in the province, and the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is applauding the work done by these centres to support and advance the status of women in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Corner Brook Women's Centre is a strong organization working for its region," said Minister Dunderdale. "Women's centres are playing an important role in Newfoundland and Labrador. They work together, and with many other partners, including the Provincial Government, to provide services, education and leadership on status of women issues in the regions."

In the last 35 years the Corner Brook Women's Centre has contributed to many achievements involving status of women issues, including initiating the development of the Corner Brook Transition House, being a forerunner in raising the issue of affordable housing, changing a local beauty contest into an ambassador's contest, bringing self-esteem and body image programs into the school system, and participating, along with the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the provincial Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, in the development of employment supports for women who have been victims of violence.

Coinciding with the anniversary celebrations, the annual general meeting of the province's eight women's centres, the Women's Policy Office and the Provincial Advisory Council for the Status of Women is taking place on May 18 and 19 in Corner Brook. The focus of the meeting is for regional women's centres to discuss the status of women issues with provincial officials.

"We are proud to be celebrating our 35th anniversary and hosting the annual general meeting," said Paula Sheppard-Thibeau, Executive Director, Corner Brook Women's Centre. "We are bringing together a group of strong women who can continue advocating for women's equality. This annual meeting is very important to the partnerships that are vital to the advancement of the status of women and the issues being faced."

"The dedicated staff and board, and all the women who have been involved with the Corner Brook Women's Centre over the years, are to be commended on their commitment and continued work towards the advancement of women in our province," said Linda Ross, President and CEO, Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "Events such as the annual general meeting are an important opportunity to strengthen the network of women around our province who are working for women's equality, equity and inclusion. I am looking forward to our coming together to discuss and work on issues concerning the women of Newfoundland and Labrador and celebrate our successes to date."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our Future reflects the importance the Provincial Government places on advancing status of women issues and the work of these organizations. The Provincial Government is delivering on its Blue Book commitment to increase the annual funding for the eight Status of Women Councils by five per cent. The councils will see an increase this year of $44,000 to assist with the daily operations. As well, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women will receive an increase of $10,000 to its annual operating budget, for a total of $451,000. Since 2003, funding to the advisory council has increased by 72 per cent.

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2010 05 18                                                   9:35 a.m.