News Release Archive
STATUS OF WOMEN--NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nine new members have been appointed to the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. The appointments were announced today by the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act, Eleanor Norrie. "These appointments will strengthen the council by bringing additional women with very diverse backgrounds and a broad range of occupational and life experiences to its membership," said Mrs. Norrie. The new members all have extensive backgrounds in community service and volunteering and represent the disabled, blended families, aboriginal interests, the Acadian community, women in business and professions, and municipal politics and public service. "This will complement the dedication and efforts of the existing volunteer council members, whose work has been commendable," said Mrs. Norrie. "I sincerely hope that those women, who also bring strength and diversity to the council, will let their names stand for re-appointment." The appointments of the nine council members are effective immediately. They include: Patricia V. Flynn, Sydney, who holds a bachelor of business administration degree from University College of Cape Breton. She is president of Community Involvement of the Disabled and a board member of the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunity; Carolyn DiPenta Rizzetto, New Waterford, who holds a bachelor of arts degree in community studies. A former town councillor, she received a Nova Scotia Community Service Award in 1993 and remains active in volunteer services as president of the New Waterford branch of the Red Cross; Sharon E. Heading, Wellington, Halifax County, whose background is in business, promotions and marketing. She is a partner in a blended family and her community and volunteer service includes work with a junior high parents support group, CGIT, YWCA, and the 1994 Special Olympics National Summer Games; Lisa Richard, Meteghan Centre, Digby County, holds an MBA and is general director of the Community Development Institute in the Clare region. She is active in business and community affairs; Karen J. Field, Bridgewater, is a physiotherapist who serves as administrative manager of the Physiotherapy Health Services Association of the South Shore. She is president of the Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association; past president of the Lunenburg County branch of the Arthritis Society; and currently serves as treasurer of the New Germany rink committee; Ann M. MacDonald, New Glasgow, is a businesswoman whose background includes work in the airline and tourism industries. She serves as a volunteer member of the board of directors of Business Opportunities for Pictou County; These six new members have been appointed for two year terms, which will expire in April, 1998. Three of the new members have been appointed for three year terms, which will expire in April, 1999. They are: Jean Catherine Knockwood, Shubenacadie, who holds a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. She has been extensively involved over the past 20 years in projects and programs to help improve education opportunities for Mi'kmaq people. She has served as a volunteer facilitator with the Parent-Teachers Association at Shubenacadie District School and was a volunteer at the Halifax Summit last June; Elizabeth Blanchette, Dartmouth, is an electrical engineer with the Canadian Coast Guard. She has worked as a professional engineer in both the private and public sectors. As a volunteer she serves on the board of directors of Second Stage Housing for women in Dartmouth and is vice-chair of the coast guard's regional women's advisory committee; Colleen O'Connor, Truro, is a property assessor with the Department of Municipal Affairs. She has served as a facilitator with the Nova Scotia Race Relations and Employment Equity Task Force. As a university student during the 1980's she served as a parole officer with Correctional Services Canada. "There is a broad range of cultures, occupations and experience among the new members that will certainly complement the diversity of the existing council," said Mrs. Norrie. "As a result of this diversity, the council will be better able to fulfill its role of advising the minister on women's issues, to express the concern of women in all parts of the province, and to celebrate women's successes." The new members were chosen from some 200 applications for advisory council appointments filed over the past few years with the Executive Council office. "The appointments are consistent with provisions of the legislation that governs the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. They are also consistent with our governments's policy of accepting applications from any member of the public who wishes to be considered for an appointment to a provincial government agency, board, council or commission," said Mrs. Norrie. "With 200 applicants to chose from under this system, it ensures that a good representation of equity groups can be maintained on the council." -30- Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252 trp Apr. 23, 1996 - 3:45 p.m.