Executive Council
June 11, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

Provincial Government Celebrates the Community Contributions of Penelope Rowe

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize Penelope Rowe, who was honoured earlier this month and presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Memorial University for her distinguished service to the community. Born in St. John’s, Ms. Rowe became a driving force with the Community Sector Council in 1976, an organization focused on strengthening the role that voluntary and non-profit community organizations play in building healthy and prosperous communities throughout the province.

Mr. Speaker, through cooperation and promotion, the Community Sector Council works with thousands of organizations to encourage citizen engagement and provide leadership in shaping public policies. As the council’s Chief Executive Officer, Penny mobilizes and inspires those around her to develop projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need – and she instills the belief that the most important way of recruiting volunteers is the personal touch. She once said: “Volunteers just don't fall out of the trees. They just don't happen – you've got to be open and have a way for people to communicate with you, and you've got to reach out.”

Mr. Speaker, by reaching out to youth, municipalities, immigrants, and to those working with our most vulnerable populations, Penny reminds us that giving back to the community is about much more than doing something that feels good – it impacts the economy. Her actions highlight how volunteers and non-profit workers in Newfoundland and Labrador contribute millions of work hours every year, volunteering at food banks, providing outreach services for people living on the street, or working with charitable organizations.

Penny’s accomplishments are numerous: she was celebrated as one of Canada’s 50 most influential women; she was the first woman to host CBC Television’s Here and Now; and she received an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2002. Mr. Speaker, along with these examples, she inspired all of us in government to renew our focus and bring greater attention to the community sector – efforts which continue through the Office of Public Engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in congratulating Penny Rowe for receiving her honorary degree from Memorial University, and also in thanking her for her lifelong dedication to giving back to her province.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker

2015 06 11                              1:50 p.m.