The following statement was read today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister of Women and Gender Equality:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize recent groundbreaking appointments at Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. For the first time in the organization’s 70 year history the top two volunteer roles are held by women.

President Amy Coady-Davis, who is a Councillor with the Town of Grand-Falls Windsor, and Vice President Trina Appleby, who is Deputy Mayor of Torbay, will help guide Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador as they work to represent the interests of the province’s municipal councils. In 1951, there were approximately 50 incorporated municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today there are 276.

Mr. Speaker, the Office of Women and Gender Equality recently collaborated with Equal Voice to present a campaign college, which was designed to help women and gender diverse folks learn more about running for elected office. I was impressed by the number of participants who expressed an interest in being involved in municipal politics.

I am hopeful that women and gender diverse individuals look to the appointments of Ms. Coady-Davis and Ms. Appleby, as well as the leadership of my colleague the Minister for Municipal and Provincial Affairs, as positive signs. As we strive for more diversity amongst our elected officials, we encourage folks with a range of backgrounds and experiences to seek elected office, including in the municipal elections this September, and provide residents of our province with the representation they so rightfully deserve.

Thank you.