Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
March 25, 2015

The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development:

Dr. Suzanne Brake Honoured for Distinguished Service

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a significant milestone in the professional career of Dr. Suzanne Brake, Director of Seniors and Aging and Provincial Director of Adult Protection, with the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development.

Dr. Brake has been named the Newfoundland and Labrador recipient of the Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award for 2015. This morning, I had the pleasure of attending an event to recognize this achievement, which was hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers.

Mr. Speaker, it comes as no surprise to me, or to Dr. Brake’s colleagues, that she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the social work profession. I have witnessed her dedication and professionalism first-hand, Mr. Speaker, and know that this acknowledgment is well-deserved.

Dr. Brake’s social work education includes a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Social Work – both from Memorial University – and a PhD from the University of Calgary. Over the past 35 years, she has worked in direct practice, management, research, policy development and education. In 2005, she joined the Provincial Government and has been instrumental in developing and implementing the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. This framework has resulted in a host of programs and initiatives designed to combat ageism and provide more opportunities for seniors to live healthy, active lives and to become more engaged in their communities.

Last week, my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, rose in this House to note that March is National Social Work Month. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my thanks and appreciation to the social workers of Newfoundland and Labrador for the work they do, day-in and day-out, to support our most vulnerable populations.

I would also like to thank the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers for inviting me to participate in this morning’s celebration of Dr. Brake’s achievement. Dr. Brake is with us in the visitors’ gallery today, along with some of her colleagues and members of the association.

I invite all members of this House to join me in congratulating Dr. Suzanne Brake on her national Distinguished Service Award. She is true example of the calibre of talent and knowledge we have within the public service in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2015 03 25                              2:15 p.m.