WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government has appointed eight new individuals to Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
“I’m pleased to welcome these new members to the women’s advisory council,” said Squires. “We’ve created a fresh board that will benefit from the combination of wisdom and experience these members bring from various backgrounds and perspectives.”
The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council was established through an Order in Council in 1980. It serves as an advisory board to government on the issues of concern to women and works to enhance the overall status of women.
Dr. Jeannette Montufar of Winnipeg has been appointed chair of the council. Montufar is a recognized supporter of women’s issues in engineering. She is a business owner, philanthropist, mentor and trailblazer in transportation engineering. Her company sponsors several events and organizations that seek to empower women.
Named to the council are Verna A. Klippenstein Heinrichs (Altona), Margaret Roscelli (Oak Lake), Maggie Masi (Winnipeg), Jennifer Flett (Opaskwayak), Doris Mae Oulton (Winnipeg), Kristen Lynch (Winnipeg) and Lizanne Lachance (Winnipeg). Dr. Romona Goomansingh of Winnipeg has been re-appointed to the council.
Klippenstein Heinrichs is trilingual (English, French and German) and has a proven high production record in a unique mix of international trade, agribusiness, agricultural exports, environmental issues, investments, post-secondary education and health care.
Roscelli is the health director for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Masi is a civil servant known in her profession and community as a strong leader with a keen ability to create cohesion among individuals.
Flett is the vice-chair of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and a former corrections officer who helped establish the first healing lodge in her community.
Oulton worked many years for Health Canada and helped establish an oral health program in First Nations communities. As assistant deputy minister of the women’s directorate in the Manitoba government, she co-authored the first statement opposing violence against women endorsed by federal and provincial ministers responsible for the status of women.
Lynch owns a small marketing and communications strategy business and serves as a board member for the Nellie McClung Foundation.
Lachance is a registered nurse with management experience at Actionmarguerite in St. Boniface and in the Manitoba government.
Goomansingh teaches at the faculty of education, University of Manitoba, in the areas of educational research and cross-cultural education.
Two members of the previous board have resigned, while the membership of six expired and seven were revoked.
Squires thanked the outgoing board members for their contributions and commitment.
