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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this honourable house today to recognize a modern day suffragette. A person who has contributed greatly to the advancement of women and to ensuring equality and equity are foremost in our society. Linda Ross is dedicated, tenacious and most of all effective.

Her list of accomplishments is lengthy. Ms. Ross has over 30 years of experience in policy development and program planning and delivery in community development, women’s economic and social equality, HIV/AIDS and public health, both in Canada and internationally. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from YWCA St. John’s Women of Distinction, the Aventis Pasteur Award and the Development Education Award from the Canadian International Development Agency.

Since 2009, Linda Ross has been the President and CEO of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Ross works tirelessly to affect change. Through her global experiences she understands how to engage others in consultative process as well as move a team forward in addressing complex issues.

This has been very well evidenced in her incredible leadership in restorative justice, violence against women, pay equity and improving legislation on safe and caring schools, as well as recognition under the Family Violence Prevention Act.

Ms. Ross is also a tireless volunteer. Contributing to many boards and committees, including the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Access to Justice Committee, Chairperson of the Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Advisory Councils on the Status of Women, Women in Resource Development Committee and Women Interested in successful Employment.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Linda Ross for her outstanding contributions and wish her well as she retires from her position. She has made her place, advanced our society and we are all the better for it.

Thank You.