News release

National Status of Women Coalition Meeting Concludes in Halifax

Status of Women

The National Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Advisory Councils on the Status of Women held its annual meeting in Halifax June 5 to 6. The meeting ended with a new partnership between the coalition and the Canadian Women’s Foundation and a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership in Canada.

The meeting was hosted by the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and participants discussed current challenges in achieving gender equality in our respective provinces and territories, while sharing resources and best practices.

Paulette Senior, CEO and president of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, was a guest speaker and provided coalition members with her advice on how women’s leadership can strengthen women’s voices in Canada. She also discussed the recently formed Gender Equality Network Canada, and their work to develop a national Gender Equality Action Plan.

Michelle Kelly, the coalition’s chair, led the group in a strategic planning discussion and identified next steps and future directions for the coalition.

“It is incredible to bring together a group of dynamic women to discuss how we can work collaboratively to ensure women’s voices are heard across our country,” said Ms. Kelly.

Ms. Kelly is the president of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and a partner with Cox and Palmer, practising in commercial and insurance litigation.

The coalition discussed current issues and emerging best practices in supporting women’s leadership, addressing harassment and ending gender-based violence. Participants learned about two specific models in Nova Scotia, the domestic violence court program and legal advice for sexual assault survivors.

Ms. Kelly’s term as chair of the coalition was renewed for one year. The 2019 annual meeting date will be determined by the members of the coalition in the coming months.