Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women - Newfoundland and Labrador

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women is an arms-length, external agency which reports to the Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality. It was established in 1980 by the Status of Women Advisory Council Act.

The Advisory Council shall: 

(a) advise the Minister on those matters relating to the status of women that the Minister refers to the Advisory Council for consideration;

(b) advise the Minister on those matters relating to the status of women that the Advisory Council feels appropriate;

(c) bring before the government and the public, matters of interest and concern to women; and

(d) establish the general policies that will govern the organization, administration and operation of the advisory council.

The Advisory Council may:

(a) receive and hear submissions and suggestions from individuals and groups concerning the status of women;

(b) research matters relating to the status of women and suggest research areas that may be studied by an interested person;

(c) recommend and participate in programs concerning the status of women;

(d) recommend legislation, policies and practices to promote equality of opportunity for women and to improve the status of women;

(e) publish reports, studies and recommendations that the advisory council feels advisable;

(f) present reports to the Premier for presentation to the House of Assembly;

(g) appoint, promote or remove administrative and secretarial staff and all other employees except the president and vice president;

(h) accept and disburse grants, gifts and bequests to the advisory council and payments for services and research;

(i) select a seal for the advisory council and retain sole custody and use of it;

(j) appoint advisory committees and pay the reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the work of a committee that the advisory council may approve;

(k) delegate to a committee, appointed under paragraph (j), those of the powers and duties of the advisory council that it thinks appropriate;

(l) provide facilities and grants, enter into agreements for research and prescribe the terms and conditions under which research may be conducted on behalf of the advisory council; and

(m) perform those other functions not inconsistent with this Act that it considers advisable for its proper administration and advancement.

For additional information on the role of the Advisory Council, please visit www.pacsw.ca.

Structure:

The Advisory Council Board consists of 11 members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

The Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall appoint from the 11 members, a president and vice-president of the Advisory Council. The president is the Chief Executive Officer of the Advisory Council and directs the activities of the Advisory Council and coordinates its work. Where the president is unable to exercise the powers and duties of president, the vice-president shall act in place of the president.

Competency Profile:

Members of the Advisory Council Board should collectively possess core competencies relevant to the advancement of women in the following areas:

• Gender-based analysis;
• Community development/advocacy;
• Social development;
• Economic development;
• Public policy and/or government relations;
• Public relations;
• Leadership; and
• Sectoral expertise in justice and corrections, education, workforce development (for example in science, engineering, trades and technology (SETT) areas), social programs, or violence prevention

Qualifications:

Those who make up the Advisory Council Board must possess the following qualifications:

• Commitment to feminist principles of equality, equity and inclusion;
• Understanding of social, economic and cultural barriers experienced by women;
• Commitment to ensuring diversity of women’s voices are considered;
• High ethical standards and integrity;
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues;
• Capable of carrying out the work in a non-partisan manner;
• Ability to network and to effectively communicate;
• Ability and commitment to act as an ambassador for the Advisory Council;
• Ability to listen and work as a team member;
• Ability to think and act innovatively;
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest; and
• Strong reasoning skills.
  

Previous Board experience will be considered beneficial but is not a requirement.

Time Commitments:

Members of the Advisory Council Board should be available to meet for two days, four times per year. These meetings take place during weekdays. Board members are also expected to spend additional time to review materials and prepare for the meetings of the Advisory Council.

There is an expectation that members of the Advisory Council Board are able to communicate electronically in a timely manner.

Term:

The members of the Advisory Council Board are appointed for a term of three (3) years. The members are eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

An appointed member of the Advisory Council whose term of office has expired shall continue to be a member of that board until she is reappointed or a successor is appointed. Within three (3) months of the expiry of a term of office of a member the Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall appoint or reappoint a member.