Overview
Function
The objectives of the Status of Women Council is to play an important role in developing awareness of issues affecting the status of women, promoting changes so that women may enjoy equality of opportunity in all aspects of society and to advise the Minister on relevant issues.
Jurisdiction
Government of the Northwest Territories
Authority
Status of Women Council Act (NWT)
Board Composition
The Council shall be composed of five to nine members, as the Minister considers appropriate.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The legislation does not provide for the appointment of alternates on the Board.
Chairperson
The Minister shall designate a member as President of the Council.
Vice-Chairperson
The Minister shall designate two members as Vice-Presidents of the Council.
Quorum
The Act is silent on quorum.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women under section 5 of the Act.
Term Duration
A member shall be appointed to a term of not less than one year and not more than three years, to be determined at the time of appointment.
Term Limitations
Yes.
A member who has served on the Council for two consecutive terms is ineligible for reappointment.
Time and Travel Requirements
The Council may hold its meetings in any place in the Northwest Territories. The Council shall meet at least twice a year, in March and October, and hold several conference calls as required.
Remuneration
Subject to any directive issued under section 78 of the Financial Administration Act, members shall be paid the remuneration and expenses that the Council determines.
Other Considerations
Members shall represent the women of the Northwest Territories and their interests, the cultural diversity of the Territories, the regions of the Territories and Territorial women's organizations.
Where there is a vacancy on the Council and the remaining number of members is less than five,
a) the Minister shall, within 90 days of the vacancy occurring, fill the vacancy; and
b) where the vacancy occurs because the term of a member has expired, the member shall remain in office until the vacancy is filled.
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Member (Beaufort Delta region) |
Rita Arey | 2022-05-11 | 2025-05-10 | 1st term | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council | |
| 2. Member (South Slave region) |
Renee Closs | 2024-05-30 | 2027-05-30 | 1st term | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council | |
| 3. Member (North Slave region) |
Shelley Browne | 2022-01-24 | 2025-01-23 | 1st term | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council | |
| 4. Member (Dehcho region) |
Anna McLeod Pontikis | 2022-08-25 | 2025-08-24 | 1st term | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council | |
| 5. Member (Sahtu region) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council | ||||
| 6. Member (Tlicho region) |
Stephanie Beaverho | 2022-08-25 | 2025-08-24 | 1st term | Minister responsible for the Status of Women Council |