The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women:

Province to Host 50th Annual International Association of
Women Police Conference

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to share with you all an exciting event taking place in our province this September. For the first time in Atlantic Canada, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be co-hosting the 50th Annual International Association of Women Police Training Conference here in St. John’s.

We are thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase our province and the strides we are making to ensure women are represented in policing and justice in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Speaker, over 50 per cent of all recruits to the RNC are now women, making our police force a national leader in the recruitment of women. As well, the new head of the RCMP for Newfoundland and Labrador is a woman. Chief Superintendent, Tracy Hardy, will begin her new position in the coming months.

At this year’s conference, we are expecting approximately 1,000 women and men in policing and justice from about 45 countries worldwide. Delegates will participate in training and learning opportunities that address global issues of importance to women in policing, including operations, leadership and professional development.

One of the highlights of the conference is sure to be the Parade of Nations. To begin the conference, delegates wearing their traditional dress uniforms, will march through the historic streets of downtown St. John’s. This march will certainly be a remarkable site to behold.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is sponsoring the pinnacle event of this conference, the Premier’s International Award’s Luncheon, where outstanding female police officers from around the globe will be recognized in the areas of leadership, commitment and bravery. The International Award for Police Officer of the year will also be presented at this prestigious event.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of conference directors, RNC Sergeant Suzanne Bill and RCMP Corporal Colleen Fox for their continued efforts to deliver a world-class event here in our province.

Thank you.

2012 05 08             1:40 p.m.