About the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women

The PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women operates at arm’s length from government to promote gender equality for all Islanders and support women’s full and active participation in the social, legal, cultural, economic and political life in the province.  

What does the Advisory Council do to support women’s equality?

The Council promotes changes of attitude and encourages discussion within the PEI community about issues affecting women. The Council also advises government to achieve equality in legislation, policies and programs.

The Council:

• Advises the minister responsible for the status of women about issues affecting Island women and girls and their families;
• Promotes social justice for vulnerable populations – senior, low income, Aboriginal, or Francophone women; women of colour; women who identify as LGBTQ, and others;
• Conducts research and reviews policies and laws affecting women, reporting results to government and other interested parties;
• Stimulates public awareness about the status of women and their families through education and leadership;
• Works with organizations and groups who promote women’s equality; and
• Collaborates with advisory councils across Canada.

What are the Advisory Council’s key activities?

The Advisory Council's key activities include the following:

• Coordinates annual projects and events that encourage gender equality:
  • March 8 - International Women’s Day
  • December 6 - Purple Ribbon Campaign against Violence to honour the 14 women murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989, and victims of violence against women in PEI, across Canada, and around the world.
  • Bursaries for women attending post-secondary education or pursuing educational / training opportunities towards meaningful employment: https://peistatusofwomen.ca/community-events/bursaries
    • Diane Kays Memorial Bursary
    • Inge Blackett Memorial Bursary
• Monitors the PEI government’s overall actions towards gender equality over time.  The Council presents the results of their assessment in the Equality Report Card.
• Prepares submissions to government hearings, task forces or consultations related to the status of women, girls and their families. Review past Council submissions to government consultations. 
• Publishes resources for public awareness and education on special topics. 

The PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act governs the council’s mandate and structure.

Who serves on the Advisory Council on the Status of Women?

Island residents who serve on the Advisory Council on the Status of Women are committed to women’s equality and represent regional, cultural and ethnic diversity. The provincial government appoints council members from among people who apply through Engage PEI

Who is the minister responsible for the status of women?

Hon. Natalie Jameson is the current Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

How do I contact the Advisory Council on the Status of Women?

PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women
Sherwood Business Centre
161 St Peters Road
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-4510
Email: info@peistatusofwomen.ca
Website: https://peistatusofwomen.ca