Coalition Thanks Janice Sherry for Public Service
Media Release
The PEI Coalition for Women in Government thanks Janice Sherry for her nearly ten years of service as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Summerside-Wilmot.
August 2nd, 2016, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — The PEI Coalition for Women in Government thanks Janice Sherry for her nearly ten years of service as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Summerside-Wilmot.
Dawn Wilson, Executive Director PEI Coalition for Women in Government, said, "We know that increased diversity, including gender diversity is a vital component of equality. As one of only five women members of the legislature, Janice Sherry’s voice and experience will be greatly missed." Following her resignation, only four of the twenty-six (15.3%) MLA’s are women.
During her time as an MLA in the Robert Ghiz government, Sherry held a number of cabinet positions and was for a time one of only two women in cabinet. She held portfolios with special importance for women’s equality, including Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, Minister Responsible for the Workers Compensation Board, and Minister Responsible for Human Rights. She also held Cabinet positions that women more rarely hold, including Minister Responsible for Securities, Minister Responsible for Public Safety, Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice, and Attorney General. More recently she was a member of the multi-party special committee on democratic renewal. The Coalition for Women in Government presented to that committee several times, since democratic renewal could create more opportunities for women to follow Ms. Sherry’s lead and be elected.
"The Coalition for Women in Government thanks Janice Sherry for her willingness to take on the role of public service as an MLA," said Coalition Chairperson, Leah-Jane Hayward. "We wish her well in her future, which we have no doubt will include continued commitment to the community of Summerside-Wilmot," Hayward concluded.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact
Dawn Wilson, Executive Director PEI Coalition for Women in Government