Patricia Roy, Chairperson of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, announces changes to its nine-person membership following a decision by the PEI Government's Executive Council.
Minister Responsible, Hon. Pat Mella, and her colleagues in Cabinet recently finalized the reappointment of Jackie MacNeill Doiron from Charlottetown, and three new appointments including Kirstin Lund of Stratford, Elaine Rabinowitz of Breadalbane, and June Sencabaugh of Murray River.
"I'm extremely pleased to welcome the new members," says Patricia Roy. "Our Minister and her colleagues have certainly made excellent choices. I look forward to meeting the new Council members and hearing about issues in their communities, and advancing the status of women and families in this province."
Jackie MacNeill Doiron has been reappointed for two years. Jackie works with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in Summerside. Jackie is strongly committed to her community and its residents. She is an active volunteer and fund raiser for various charities, non-profit organizations and sports projects.
Kirstin Lund is newly appointed for a three year term. Kirstin has been a faculty member of UPEI's Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies since 1998, teaching courses in mediation, communication skills and restorative justice. Since leaving the practice of law in 1996, she has co-ordinated many projects related to conflict resolution and woman abuse prevention. Kirstin has served on several boards related to the advancement of the status of women including Women's Network PEI, Transition House Association and the PEI Crime Prevention Association.
Elaine Rabinowitz, appointed for a three year term, is a Registered Nurse and works with Community Mental Health in Summerside. She is a founding and current member of the East Prince Committee on Family Violence, a member of the Provincial Child Sexual Abuse Advisory Committee and a previous board member of Transition House Association. Elaine also contributed to the board of the PEI Multicultural Association and was active in Home and School and Guiding.
June Sencabaugh is past president of the Northumberland Minor Hockey Association and a former Village Commissioner for Murray River. She is also appointed for a three year term as Council member. June was. June is a very active member of the Northumberland Recreation Association, a founding member of the Montague Figure Skating Association, and is involved with the new community Eagles View Golf Course. She worked many years with Island Tel as a service representative and is presently retired. June is a recent recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal.
Hon. Pat Mella, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women emphasizes that the work of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women is critically important in strengthening the necessary supports to women and families." It is a pleasure to welcome Jackie, Kirstin, Elaine, and June as members of the Advisory Council. Their diverse interests and expertise will enrich the Council's capacities to address issues affecting the status of women in PEI."
Before Council terms are up for renewal or the maximum five year positions are over, the Advisory Council reaches out to the community to assist in making recommendations to Minister Mella to get women appointed who have a demonstrated interest in social justice issues, especially equality, and are community workers. States Roy, "Even though Cabinet takes nominations from the general public and other Cabinet members, the Advisory Council lobbies for appointments that will represent the various population sectors in the province so that diversity is achieved. Our nomination package routinely requests that Executive Council consider candidates who are equality-seekers from various population sectors such as: youth, seniors, aboriginal women, francophone women, women of colour, immigrant women, women with varying abilities and disabilities, and economic position."
The Advisory Council is a nine-member advisory agency of the PEI government. The Council is mandated to advise the provincial government and bring before the public matters relating to the status of women.
Contact: Patricia Roy, Chairperson or Heidi Rankin, Director, 368-4510