I am pleased to announce today the latest appointment and reappointments to the Status of Women Council of the NWT.
Patricia Lamouelle of Rae-Edzo has been appointed for a term of three years and Lynn Brooks of Yellowknife, Lorayne Menicoche-Moses of Fort Simpson, and Geraldine Sharpe-Staples of Inuvik have been reappointed for terms of three years.
These women will join Betty Tsetso of Deline and Therese Dolly Lafferty of Fort Resolution. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of departing board member Natasha McCagg.
I want to take this time to thank all of these individuals and the staff of the council for the good work they have done to advance women's equality issues in the Northwest Territories. Under the excellent leadership of these individuals, we have seen increased education and awareness in a number of areas including prevention of family violence, ongoing improvements to the resource library and research projects such as the social and environmental impacts of resource development on women. Of particular note is the Women's Voices in Leadership project. This project provided women from across the NWT with training and support as they consider careers in political leadership. This is an important initiative as it encourages women to enter into politics. I hope to see many more women running, and winning seats, in the next territorial election.