New members appointed to the Quebec Council on the Status of Women

Tashi Farmilo

On February 14, the Council of Ministers announced the appointment of four new members to the Council on the Status of Women for a four-year term. The newly appointed members are Eva Falk Pedersen, Valérie Mvogo Balla, Mélanie Kéroack, and Françoise Ramel. Additionally, the mandates of existing members Andréan Gagné and Jessica Olivier-Nault have been renewed for another four years.

The Council on the Status of Women is a key advisory body in Quebec, consisting of ten members recommended by various sectors of society. Alongside the president, these members discuss the council's orientations, approve its opinions, and endorse recommendations transmitted to the government.

The council's current composition includes president Louise Cordeau, vice-president Rakia Laroui, and members Hélène Bourdages, Lise Courteau, and Geneviève Paquette, who remain in office. Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise from different sectors, contributing to the council's mission of advancing the status of women in Quebec.

President Louise Cordeau, an experienced lawyer and manager, has been at the helm of the council since February 2017. With a distinguished career in law, media, and public service, Cordeau has been recognized for her professional achievements and social commitment, including being named a knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2019.

The council's voting members represent various sectors, including women's associations, union organizations, academia, and the socio-economic environment. Their diverse backgrounds ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing issues related to the status of women in Quebec.

In addition to the ten voting members, ex officio members representing different government departments and agencies participate in council meetings, although they do not have voting rights. These members include Marie-Claude Brunet from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Pascale Bureau from the Ministry of Culture and Communications, Catherine Ferembach from the Secretariat for the Status of Women, Sophie Joncas from the Ministry of Justice, Karine Lemay from the Treasury Board, Audrey Normand-Laniel from the Ministry of Education, and Janika Tardif from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity.

Photo caption: Louise Cordeau, a seasoned lawyer and manager, has been leading the Council on the Status of Women since February 2017. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Quebec Council on the Status of Women Facebook Page