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Minister supports efforts to increase women�s participation in elections Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is pleased to announce a province-wide seminar series with local equality-seeking women�s organizations to encourage women to run in the upcoming municipal elections. Together with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities (NLFM), the Municipal Training and Development Corporation (MTDC), a number of regional women�s councils/centres and the Grenfell Anti-Violence Team, government will be sponsoring a series of seminars to be conducted across Newfoundland and Labrador in August. This is a special measure on behalf of all the partners to encourage women to become leaders in municipal government. Although women make up more than half of the population in this province, they comprise only 29 per cent of those in municipal politics, 21 per cent of the Members of the House of Assembly and 21 per cent of the Members of Parliament. Government is providing up to $16,000 to the NLFM to offset the costs associated with these events. Events will be held August 5 in Stephenville; August 10 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; August 11 in Labrador City; August 17 in Grand Falls-Windsor; August 18 in St. Anthony and August 25 in Corner Brook. An event for the St. John�s region will be confirmed at a later date. Each seminar will feature women in leadership roles from both local and provincial governments. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities has recently announced the release of new educational material to help women better understand their roles, requirements and responsibilities for running a campaign and holding office. �The federation is pleased to be able to offer these seminars with the support of Minister Burke,� said Deputy Mayor Herbert Brett, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities. �Municipal governments need to reflect the communities they serve and we see these seminars as one way to encourage a better balance. The materials provided by the Municipal Training and Development Corporation are free to participants and provide invaluable information on running a successful campaign.� �Women in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to remain at the forefront of our communities raising concerns about social, economic and environmental issues which have an impact on the health and livelihood of women, their families and their communities,� said Minister Burke. �Therefore, it is essential they have the opportunity to participate in many of the decision-making processes that have such a major impact on their lives. �I would especially like to thank all the women�s organization who have taken time to plan these sessions throughout the province.� To participate in these regional events, contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities at 1-800-440-6536 or 753-6820. Media contact:
2005 08 02 4:20 p.m. |
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