The Minister Responsible for the Status of Women says government had no involvement in Jenny Wright’s departure from the St. John’s Status of Women Council.

Carol Anne Haley’s Deputy Minister, Linda Ross was one of the signatories on the letter that led to Wright’s departure.

Haley says Ross was moved into the Deputy Minister role after the letter was signed and sent off. When asked if she understood why that is an issue for some, Haley said no.

She says she has travelled the province over the last number of weeks, meeting with some 25 women’s groups and had very productive meetings with her Deputy Minister sitting by her side.

Haley says she doesn’t think they’ve burned any bridges, and that they will continue to move forward and be productive, however at least one organization has already pulled out of the Minister’s Committee on Violence Against Women and Girls over the letter.

The Minister says she does not have an issue with RNC Chief Joe Boland signing it.

Haley says it’s important everyone comes together and works collaboratively on all issues in the province. Given the Chief is very community minded and involved in the community, Haley says he felt his own prerogative to sign the letter.