New Commitments Made at National Coalition Meeting in Halifax

The National Coalition of Provincial and Territorial Advisory Councils on the Status of Women and the Canadian Women’s Foundation strengthened their partnership and made a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership in Canada

The partnership came during the coalition’s annual meeting in Halifax this week, hosted by the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Participants discussed current challenges in achieving gender equality in their 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 offered advice on how women’s leadership can strengthen women’s voices in Canada. She also discussed the recently formed Gender Equality Network Canada, and its work to develop a national Gender Equality Action Plan.

Michelle Kelly, the coalition’s chair and the president of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, 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.”

Ms. Kelly is 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.