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

Minister Commends Women’s Centres

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to congratulate the Gateway Status of Women Council on the completion of renovations to their facility in Port aux Basques. These renovations provide the space to ensure that clients’ needs are met in a professional yet welcoming environment.

Yesterday, Gateway held an open house to celebrate their new space and I would like to take this opportunity to commend them on their hard work and wish them continued success as they address the needs of women in their community.

I am also pleased to have this opportunity to applaud all Status of Women Councils throughout Newfoundland and Labrador on the important work they do each and every day to ensure the social and economic advancement of women in our province. These councils provide services, education and leadership on status of women issues and are a strong voice for women in the regions.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we share in this commitment. Since 2004, our government has more than doubled its funding to the Status of Women Councils throughout the province. Budget 2012 announced a five per cent increase in funding for the Women’s Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador, seeing each of the eight Women’s Centres now receiving $127,625 annually, up from $55,000 in 2004. The Provincial Government now provides annual operational funding of over $1 million to the Status of Women Councils in the province. As a result of this increased funding, women in the province will continue to have access to services and programs related to their social and economic well-being.

Once again, congratulations to the Gateway Status of Women Council, the Board of Directors, Executive Director Susanne Ingram, staff, volunteers and many supporters.

This is a celebration of the Women’s Centres and all those who work together to advance the status of women in our province. I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure equality, equity and inclusion for all women in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2012 06 14                           1:50 p.m.