The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, today introduced a bill in the House of Assembly to repeal the Status of Women Advisory Council Act and replace it with the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act. The bill represents a significant milestone in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to advancing inclusivity.

This new legislation recognizes that advancing equality requires attention to the experiences of women, girls and gender-diverse people. Modernizing the act is a positive step forward and aligns with government’s commitment to an all-of-government approach to the application of Gender-Based Analysis Plus on services, programs, policies, legislation and budgets.

Under the new legislation, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women will become the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and Gender Equality. The council will provide advice to government on issues impacting all genders and sexual orientations, informing policies, programs and priorities.

The Office of Women and Gender Equality is also pleased to announce the appointment and re-appointment of members to the council for three-year terms.

Re-appointed are Megan Ford of St. John’s, Courtney Clarke of Mount Pearl, and Jacqueline Compton-Hobbs of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

New members include: Abbie Hodder of St. John’s, Liz Palmera-Nunez of St. John’s, Sarah Brown of Mount Pearl, and Wanda Chislett of New Harbour.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will also be seeking applications through the Independent Appointments Commission for additional appointments to reflect the newly expanded mandate of the council.

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“Today’s introduction of the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act reflects our government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable Newfoundland and Labrador. By modernizing this legislation, we are recognizing that advancing equality requires us to consider the experiences and perspectives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, ensures that diverse voices continue to help shape the policies, programs and services that impact people throughout our province. I am also pleased to welcome our new and returning advisory council members, whose knowledge, leadership and lived experiences will help guide this important work in the years ahead.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Women and Gender Equality

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Office of Women and Gender Equality

Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women

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