NLIS 2
November 29, 2005
(Executive Council)
Labrador representative appointed
to Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status
of Women in Newfoundland and Labrador, is pleased to announce the appointment of
Katherine Baikie-Pottle as the Labrador representative on the Provincial
Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
Ms Baikie-Pottle has a long history of working in Labrador and has a broad range
of experience in both economic development and leadership positions. As a town
councilor for North West River she has firsthand experience of women�s
contribution to elected leadership at the municipal level and has a strong
understanding of the current status of economic issues in Labrador.
The current board of the Provincial Advisory Council has a membership with
significant knowledge of social issues of importance to advance the equality of
women in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms Baikie-Pottle brings knowledge of issues
associated with advancing women�s economic well-being in the province and for
Labrador more specifically.
�I am pleased with this decision as it will strengthen the Provincial Advisory
Council�s mandate to advise the government and bring before the public matters
of both social and economic importance for women�s equality in Newfoundland and
Labrador,� said Minister Burke.
Nominations for the position were sought from women�s equality-seeking
organizations as well as other provincial and Aboriginal organizations in
Newfoundland and Labrador. The minister, in making the decision, also consulted
with the president of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Joyce
Hancock.
�It is important to the women in our province that the advisory council has a
board made up of women who are known for their leadership and involvement on all
aspects of women�s equality and inclusion,� said Ms Hancock.
�Government is committed to taking special measures to ensure that women share
equitably in the social and economic benefits of our province as well as share
in the leadership and decision-making positions that affect such benefits,� said
Minister Burke.
The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women is a
provincially-mandated organization that ensures issues of concern to women are
represented in government decision making. The council, created in 1980,
celebrated its 25th anniversary at a gala held at the Holiday Inn in St. John�s
on November 24, 2005.
�If there is any question that after 25 years there is still a need for the
Provincial Advisory Council, the answer is yes,� said Minister Burke. �There is
much work to be done and government is committed to seeing the work of the
council and other women's groups continue.�
Media contact:
Cathy Whelan, Communications, (709) 729-6225
Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062
2005 11 29
1:10 p.m. |