The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that the Honourable Lela Evans has been sworn in as Minister of Women and Gender Equality in addition to her roles as Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

The swearing-in ceremony took place today with the oath being administered by the Honourable Chief Justice Raymond P. Whalen, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, as administrator.

This realignment reflects the Provincial Government’s focus on ensuring responsibilities are aligned to strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bringing Women and Gender Equality under Minister Evans’ leadership will support closer alignment with frontline services and the supports individuals and families rely on every day. It will also strengthen collaboration across health, social, and community systems to better support women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.

An additional key focus of this alignment is strengthening supports for individuals and families impacted by Gender-Based Violence. Recognizing that Gender-Based Violence is both a safety and a health issue, the change announced today will help ensure prevention, intervention, trauma-informed care, and long-term recovery supports are more closely connected across systems.

Today’s announcement also supports continued progress on priorities impacting Indigenous women and families, including ongoing partnerships and actions related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and strengthening engagement with communities across Labrador.

Quotes
“Our government is taking action to ensure responsibilities are aligned to deliver strong, coordinated supports for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Strengthening connections between Women and Gender Equality and frontline services will help ensure people can access the supports they need, when they need them, while advancing meaningful progress on issues like Gender-Based Violence.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador“Women and Gender Equality is about ensuring people feel safe, supported, and empowered in their communities. I look forward to working with partners, advocates, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and community leaders across the province to continue advancing meaningful supports and strengthening services for those who need them most.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
Minister of Health and Community Services
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

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