Lana Mitchell to receive a Building Communities Award

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Lana Mitchell (pictured) from North Bay is among 104 women and girls across Ontario receiving the Leading Women/Leading Girls, Building Communities Award, for her exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of women and girls in Ontario.

The award recognizes women and girls who are making a difference in their communities. Lana Mitchell, Executive Director for Low Income People Involvement (LIPI) was nominated by the Honourable Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

From March 8-12 each year, Ontario joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Week. The purpose is to reflect on the progress made to advance women’s equality, assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society, and consider future steps to enhance the status of women and celebrate the gains made.

“I am delighted to present Lana with this award for all of the hard work she does for our community,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “She is a wonderful example of how a single person can help make our community stronger. Her leadership and contributions to our community are an inspiration to all women and girls in Ontario.”

“Each year, International Women’s Week gives us all an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments in our communities. Congratulations to all those making a positive difference in our province,” said Laurel Broten, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues.

QUICK FACTS

Since 1977, International Women’s Day has been observed around the world on March 8.

The number of women in the paid work force has grown significantly. In 2008, 60 per cent of women aged 15 and over were part of the paid work force in Ontario, up from 42 per cent in 1976.

More women are represented in professional fields. For example, in 2006, 55 per cent of all Canadian doctors and dentists were female in comparison to 43 per cent in 1987.

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