Premier Christy Clark and women business leaders gathered Wednesday for the inaugural meeting of the Premier’s Women’s Economic Council (PWEC) at the Provincial Legislature. Lois Nahirney was appointed as chair.

“The Premier’s Women’s Economic Council is a council of leaders - women with vision and experience with creating opportunity. Lois Nahirney has a track record of coming up with new ways to create growth and opportunity - and as chair of the council, she’ll help develop our economy,” said Premier Christy Clark.

PWEC will deliver advice to the Premier, the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and the Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business on issues, strategies and policy changes that can further grow and strengthen the economy. The council will provide recommendations to government that will help develop new ideas, opportunities, actions, policies and legislation that will further support women business owners, leaders and workers in the province and drive new economic activity and job creation.  The PWEC will bring attention to relevant barriers facing women in business in B.C. and provide advice on how to minimize or eliminate them.

“The council brings together an exceptional group of women who are leaders from a variety of economic sectors and regions. Their experience and input to government will be very helpful as we work to strengthen and grow our economy,” said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond. “Lois Nahirney is a great choice to chair our council because she has knowledge of the inner workings of a broad range of industries including shipping, oil and gas, information technology, health care, power and utilities and pulp and paper.”

“I’m excited the economic council is beginning its work to help us discover ways to ensure women are a part of the thriving B.C. economy,” said Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto.

Nahirney is the executive vice president of corporate resources for Teekay Corporation, responsible for global human resources, information technology, communications and services.  She has a doctorate and a master’s in business administration and an undergraduate degree in economics and political science. She is chair of the Women's Executive Network in Vancouver and is on the boards of Junior Achievement, EasyPark and the Vietnam Education Society. 

“I’m looking forward to chairing an economic council with such dynamic and accomplished women,” said Lois Nahirney. “I know we’re enthusiastic about the ideas we will generate.”

The PWEC consists of 15 members from various regions and industries including business leaders representing the key sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan: Dr. ‘Lyn Anglin, Anglin & Associations, Brenda Baptiste, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation; Kristina de Araujo, Quickload Logistics; Shauna Harper, Live Work Communications; Shannon Janzen, Western Forest Products; Margo Middleton, Middleton Petroleum Services; Lois Nahirney, TeeKay Corporation; Sheila Orr, entrepreneur; Cindy Popescul, BDO Dunwoody LLP;Tracy Redies, Coast Capital Savings; Eva Sun, The Rice People (Libra National Inc.); Renee Wasylyk, Troika Group; Jennifer Williamson, LIFESUPPORT Patient Transport; Kirsten Wilson, Jack Cewe Ltd;  and Kari Yuers, Kryton International Inc.

The initial intake of council members will consist of two- and three-year appointments and will meet quarterly with the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business, with the Premier attending at least one of the meetings annually.

View PWEC group photo here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/13591560233/

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799