In response to the need for better representation in the workforce at all levels of the resources sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the establishment of a Women in Resources Advisory Committee.

The Women in Resources Advisory Committee is comprised of nine members. They are:

• Stephanie Adey
• Cheri Butt
• Amy Copeland
• Stephanie Gruchy
• Caron Hawco
• Dena Kavanagh
• Amanda McCallum
• Ashley Noseworthy
• Beverly Power

The Women in Resources Advisory Committee will advise and inform the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology on issues, concerns and the needs of women in the resources sector. The committee will provide advice in a number of areas, which could include addressing the underrepresentation of women in the resource sector, the promotion of leadership opportunities, and ensuring the work of government meets resource sector needs and demands. The committee brings experience that covers a broad range of various resource sectors including mining, oil and gas, utility, hydroelectricity and other renewables such as wind and hydrogen.

According to Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey data, approximately 2,200 women were employed in the natural resources sector in the province in 2022, which represents 18.5 per cent of the persons in that sector. This included approximately 1,200 in the mining sector. Based on Canada-wide data, approximately 18.8 per cent of individuals working in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry in 2022 identify as female.

Committee members serve in a volunteer capacity and do not receive remuneration. The terms of reference can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Our government recognizes the value of gender equity and diversity, and the innovation and strength that comes with inclusivity in the resources sector. The future of the industry depends on educating, training, recruiting and retaining people, building technical and leadership skills, and strengthening women’s participation rates.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“In a province with a rich history of resource development, the inclusion of women and gender-diverse people in helping to shape and grow this sector ensures a more comprehensive and balanced approach to our valuable resources, fostering economic growth, sustainability and social equity.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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BACKGROUNDER

Women in Resources Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

Purpose:
The resources sector, including mining, renewable energy, and oil and gas, plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Government recognizes the value of gender equity and diversity, and the innovation and strength that comes with inclusivity in the resources sector. The future of the industry depends on educating, training, recruiting and retaining people, building technical and leadership skills, and strengthening women’s participation rates.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is committed to a diversified workforce including representation from women and members of underrepresented groups. The department is advancing strategies that include actions related to increasing the number of women in the resources sector, including Mining the Future 2030, Maximizing our Renewable Future, and Advance 2030. Many operators in the resources sector have identified human resource issues and the need for skilled labour, which presents an opportunity to increase women’s participation.

Mandate:
The Women in Resources Advisory Committee will advise and inform the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology on issues, concerns and needs of women in resources. It will gather advice in a number of areas, which could include addressing women’s underrepresentation in the resource sector, including young women; the promotion of leadership opportunities; and ensuring the work of government meets resource sector needs and demands.

Objective/Role and Functions:
The Committee:

• Brings knowledge and understanding of women in resources-related issues to government;
• Advises government as it develops policies, programs, strategies and recommendations to advance the inclusion of women in the resources sector; and
• Promotes awareness of barriers faced by women in resources and how to remove and prevent them.

Membership and Structure:
The Committee will be comprised of 8-10 members, invited to participate by and at the discretion of the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. Members will have a broad knowledge and understanding of women in the resource sector, related barriers and issues experienced by women, including youth, in the resource sector. Consideration may be given to, regional, and urban-rural representation.

Committee members serve in a volunteer capacity and do not receive remuneration.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology provides secretariat and administrative support to the Committee.

Meeting Schedule:
The Committee will meet on an as required basis, with additional engagement as required.