The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize the outstanding contributions of Penelope Rowe, who retired earlier this year after a career of over 40 years as the leader of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Community Sector Council.

As a founding member of the Community Sector Council and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Rowe has been a powerful force behind community development in the province. Her work has helped connect community organizations, build volunteerism and shape public policy through research and advocacy.

From journalism to politics, early childhood education to supplying computers and iPads to citizens during the pandemic, Ms. Rowe has devoted her life to giving back. She has been rightly described as a tenacious advocate for the social and economic well-being of Canadians, and a risk-taker with a keen entrepreneurial spirit.

Her accomplishments are numerous, well recognized, and have been widely celebrated.

Ms. Rowe received the 2021 Frank McKenna Award from the Public Policy Forum of Canada for outstanding leadership in public policy. She has been featured as one of Canada’s 50 Most Influential Women and named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine. Most notably, she was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2002.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me in recognizing Penelope Rowe for her lifelong service to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.