The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady on behalf of the Honourable Carol Anne Haley, Minister Responsible for the

Mr. Speaker, for more than 20 years, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop has provided a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn new outdoor recreation skills and enhance their knowledge of fishing, hunting and other activities.

During a weekend in the wilderness, participants hone their skills with the help of experienced instructors, who teach in a variety of areas such as canoeing, fishing, target shooting, outdoor cooking, and wildlife and plant identification.

The most recent Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop was held at the Lavrock Camp and Conference Centre on Salmonier Line. This was just the latest resoundingly successful event for the program. Over the span of 20 years, more than 40 events have been held with more than 2,000 women having completed the workshop.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops are not only opportunities for women to participate in activities that have influenced so much of our province’s culture, they are also opportunities for participants to meet like-minded individuals with whom they can develop meaningful and lasting connections and continued interest in our outdoor heritage.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to engaging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in the culture and traditions of our province. Through this workshop we are promoting safe, responsible and sustainable participation in all outdoor activities.

I congratulate and extend my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making the 2019 Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop a success, including Friends of Salmonier Nature Park, the staff of Fisheries and Land Resources, and the many volunteer instructors, who have graciously given their time to support this program.

Thank you.

Status of Women: