Atlantic Canada Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women
Meet in St. John’s

Provincial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in Atlantic Canada met in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador today (Wednesday, October 10) to discuss regional approaches and co-operation on a number of women’s issues.

The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, was joined by the Honourable Marilyn More, Nova Scotia’s Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, and Minister of Immigration; the Honourable Valerie E. Docherty, Prince Edward Island’s Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, and Minister of Community Services and Seniors; and New Brunswick’s Legislative Secretary Pam Lynch, representing the Honourable Marie-Claude Blais, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

“This forum provides us with a valuable opportunity to share information and discuss developments in the social and economic advancement of women in Atlantic Canada,” said Minister Johnson. “At today’s meeting issues of importance to women were discussed, including employment equity, women in leadership, gender-based analysis, women with complex needs, and promoting cyber-safety for young girls.”

The ministers discussed the significance of employment equity planning as a means of advancing women into non-traditional sectors and the emerging industries of the Canadian economy. Ministers committed to discuss best practices for employment equity for women at the next meeting.

The importance of the use of gender-based analysis was also discussed by ministers and viewed as a vital tool in overall decision-making processes. The ministers also committed to working together to advance women into leadership positions.

A presentation on the topic of women with complex needs, including information on emerging best practices and service provisions, was made by the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for Newfoundland and Labrador. Ministers will continue to explore ways to create awareness on this issue with their respective government and community partners.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police provided the ministers with insight into the situation of child pornography and child luring and the impacts of social media and cyber-violence on young girls. This presentation builds on the work of the Atlantic Status of Women Ministers and helps inform them as they create awareness and promote cyber-safety for young girls. As part of their work to address cyber-violence, the ministers will be launching the Cybersafe Girl project at MacDonald Drive Junior High in St. John’s tomorrow (Thursday, October 11) on the first International Day of the Girl.

To conclude the meeting, the ministers reiterated the significance of continuing to work together and collaborate on these important issues impacting women and girls in Atlantic Canada.

Nova Scotia will host the next meeting of the Atlantic Canada Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in 2013.

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Photo: Atlantic Canada Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women at a news conference following their meeting held in St. John's.

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2012 10 10                           4:20 p.m.