New appointments to Status of Women Council Julie Bettney, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced today the appointment of six new members to the board of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for a three year term. She recently restructured the council to make available seven of its seats to representatives from each of the local status of women councils in the province. Debbie Armstrong of Grand Falls-Windsor has been appointed vice-president and six of the seven local councils have chosen their representatives. Their representatives include Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of Women Council), Susan White-Hoddinott (Corner Brook Status of Women Council), Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of Women Council, Stephenville), Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women Council), Ann-Marie Johnson (Gateway Status of Women Council, Port aux Basques), and Yvonne Maes (Mokami Status of Women Council, Happy Valley-Goose Bay). St. John's Council has decided to nominate their representative after their annual general meeting in August at which time they will consult their full membership for recommendations. The board of the Provincial Advisory Council is an external agency which monitors government action, provides independent advice and lobbies on behalf of the women of the province. The local status of women councils provide advocacy and support for women in their area and offer a gender perspective to community development work. "In our efforts to ensure continued progress for equality of women and at the same time recognize our fiscal constraints, it is necessary to provide the local councils greater input into policy development that addresses their concerns. It is also important for the provincial agency, the Advisory Council, to keep in touch with local initiatives and issues. We must work cooperatively and effectively to achieve our common goals," says Bettney. As in the past, the new board represents a variety of cultural and geographical differences and the new board members have expertise in a wide variety of areas. Ms. Bettney conveys her appreciation to the outgoing board members for their contributions to the council and looks forward to their continued support of the council's work. Contact: Cindy Christopher, Public Relations Specialist, Women's Policy Office, (709) 729-5730. BACKGROUNDER Debbie Armstrong
Shirley Squires (Labrador West Status of
Women Council)
Susan White-Hoddinott (Corner Brook Status of
Women Council)
Michelle Skinner (Bay St. George Status of
Women Council)
Geri Devereaux (Gander Status of Women
Council)
Ann-Marie Johnson (Gateway Status of Women
Council)
Yvonne Maes (Mokami Status of Women Council)
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