The Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Women's Commission continues to be a significant part of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Liberal Party of Canada for the past twenty years.

The Women's Commission is very active in preparing women for elections. The "Campaign College" , administered by the National Liberal Women's Commission and supported by the provincial commission is a quality program.

This Liberal Government commits to encouraging woman to participate in this process and commits to valuing the women of strong character and ability who are members of our team. It is my intent to ensure that the disbursement of senior roles always reflect gender balance based on ability.

I am pleased to work with women, remarkable in their own right: Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development; Anna Thistle, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education; Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Finance; Yvonne Jones, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and minister responsible for the Status of Women; Sandra Kelly, MHA for Gander; and Mary Hodder, MHA for Burin-Placentia West.

As Premier of the Province and Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am encouraged by the high level of participation of women in the Commission and feel we are well on our way to increasing the number of women that will represent the Liberal Party. Throughout the province women are active in all aspects of the Liberal Party and the growth of women's clubs over the past few years from six to sixteen is tremendous. I encourage all districts to establish women's clubs and increase the number of women involved in the political process.