New Chair for Advisory Council

Rita Warner is the new chair for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Born and raised in rural Cape Breton, she now resides in Judique.

Having been a member of the council for the last two years, the new chair will have both the life-experience and education to be a voice for women across Nova Scotia.

“I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity to lead the council into their 25th anniversary and beyond," said Ms. Warner. "I take the challenge seriously and will be committed to the women of Nova Scotia, the advisory council and its members."

“I''m delighted to see the council elect a chair from its ranks and I look forward to working with Rita Warner,” said Jane Purves, minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Ms. Warner is the first person from Cape Breton to serve as council chair, and only the second person outside of Halifax to do so. In addition to her work with women’s groups and projects, she comes to the council with 25 years of community economic development experience.

She is replacing Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, who served as chair for the last six years.

"Rita Warner, after serving two years on the council, will bring a unique perspective to the position of chair," said Patricia Doyle-Bedwell. "Through past performance, she has already demonstrated that she will be a strong leader in helping to ensure there is equality, dignity and fairness for all Nova Scotian women."

The advisory council chair is nominated and elected by council members.