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

Recognizing Women Leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House of Assembly today to recognize two very successful women leaders in our province.

Each day Mr. Speaker, we see the invaluable contributions women make to their communities and in the business sector. Two of those women were recently recognized for their outstanding ambition, innovation and leadership roles. These women serve as exemplary models for the business, social and political communities.

On Tuesday, December 3, Susan Patten, Chair of the Board of Directors of A. Harvey & Co. was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network, Canada’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles. Annually, the Women’s Executive Network recognizes 100 women leaders in the country who have moved to the highest levels in their respective fields, overcoming obstacles to become some of Canada’s most powerful women.

Susan Patten is one of 18 Canadian women in 10 categories to be honoured as the recipient of the Glencore Trailblazers and Trendsetters Award. The Women’s Executive Network classifies the women who achieve this award as fearless, ambitious, innovative, determined, natural leaders and true pioneers.

Mr. Speaker, Susan Patten is a distinguished business leader in the province who has already received the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Canada. Her work ethic is paralleled only by her volunteer ethic where she continues to be a pillar of the volunteer sector.

Mr. Speaker, I am sincerely honoured to also announce that our very own Premier Dunderdale was singled out by this esteemed national organization at their awards gala in Toronto last week. The Premier received a special honorary Top 100 Award for setting an example for all women who strive for more in their professional and personal lives. I offer my congratulations to Premier Dunderdale - our province’s very first female Premier - and thank her for the guidance and leadership she is providing to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the inspiration she is providing for women everywhere.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 12 09                                     1:55 p.m.