News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

   

 

Jones says dismissal of Ann Marie Hann another blow to women

June 3, 2005

Yvonne Jones, Opposition Critic for the Status of Women and MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says she is very disappointed that Premier Williams fired another high ranking female from a government position.

"I was shocked to find out this morning that Premier Williams fired another of the top ranking female officials in the public service of this province," said Ms. Jones. "Ann Marie Hann is a well-known and respected public servant that has received national awards and has been credited with improving the Workplace, Health and Safety Compensation Commission since her appointment in 2000.

"This dismissal is very ironic considering Ms. Hann was receiving an award for being one of the top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada when she was summoned to Confederation Building for her dismissal. Ms. Hann is the national president of the Worker’s Compensation Board of Canada and has been asked to serve the association for a third year.

"Ms. Hann’s credentials cannot be challenged. She is a strong woman who has worked in senior government positions for years, including Deputy Minister positions. This is the fourth senior female official who has been dismissed by Premier Williams over the past 18 months, another of the most recognized, senior and accomplished females to ever serve in the provincial government of this province.

"As the critic for the Status of Women, this trend of dismissing strong female leaders is very upsetting. It is very difficult to understand why Premier Williams cannot work with strong females who have long track records of getting things done. It is time for this Premier to realize that women are strong members of the workforce and should be respected for their abilities. This is just another verification that this Premier is not willing to listen to the concerns of women in this province."

 

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477