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

Supporting Ovations Lunch & Learn Sessions

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House of Assembly today to acknowledge the Provincial Government’s continuous support of women in leadership through outreach and professional development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, the first of four Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn sessions took place on February 21, in Clarenville with keynote speaker, Iris Petten. The second was on March 7, in Grand Falls-Windsor and featured Anne Whelan. The third will take place on April 11, in Corner Brook featuring Anastasia Qupee, and the fourth will be held on May 9, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with Anne Whelan.

Mr. Speaker, these sessions are a great opportunity for women in different regions of the province to hear first-hand the experiences and approaches taken to leadership by such prominent Newfoundland and Labrador women.

Iris Petten is a business leader and has corporate board experience in industries such as fishing, education, logistics and transportation. Ms. Petten currently serves as Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents, and is a Corporate Board Member of Canada Post Corporation, and Canship Ugland Ltd.

Anne Whelan currently leads Seafair and is a board member of Newfoundland Power, Newfoundland and Labrador Oil Industry Association, Atlantic Provinces’ Economic Council, and the Argentia Management Authority.

Anastasia Qupee is an Innu woman from Sheshatshiu, Labrador. She was the first Innu woman to serve as chief in her community, serving two terms from 2004 until 2010. She also served as a board member on Innu Nation, Labrador Grenfell Regional Authority and is involved in a number of joint businesses. Ms. Qupee is currently the Human Resources Director for the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation.

All sessions begin at 12:00 p.m. and run until 2:00 p.m. Topics include mentorship, core competencies, women on boards, and creating strong networks. The cost is $15 per participant, and anyone interesting in attending one of the remaining sessions can register online at www.nlowe.org.

Mr. Speaker, Ovations events are organized by a committee of representatives from the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as community and business leaders.

Through initiatives such as the Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn sessions, the Provincial Government remains committed to supporting the advancement of women in leadership throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 04 02                                            2:15 p.m.