Evans Introduces Bill to Modernize the Status of Women Advisory Council Act

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced legislation to expand the mandate of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women to include gender equality.

Minister of Women and Gender Equality Lela Evans introduced the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act in the House of Assembly.

The proposed legislation would repeal the existing Status of Women Advisory Council Act and replace it with a new act recognizing the experiences of women, girls and gender-diverse people.

Under the changes, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women would become the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and Gender Equality.

The council would provide advice to government on issues affecting people of all genders and sexual orientations, helping inform government policies, programs and priorities.

The legislation also aligns with government's commitment to applying Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) across services, programs, policies, legislation and budgets.

The Office of Women and Gender Equality has also announced several appointments and reappointments to the council for three-year terms.

Reappointed members are Megan Ford of St. John's, Courtney Clarke of Mount Pearl and Jacqueline Compton-Hobbs of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

New members appointed to the council are Abbie Hodder and Liz Palmera-Nunez of St. John's, Sarah Brown of Mount Pearl and Wanda Chislett of New Harbour.

Government says additional appointments will be sought through the Independent Appointments Commission to reflect the council's expanded mandate.