The Minister for the Status of Women apologized in the House of Assembly today in the wake of dismay expressed by some of the participants in a recent Women’s Conference in St. John’s.

The conference, held last week, drew some 350 people and coincided with a change in name for the Office for the Status of Women to focus on three key areas according to government: the prevention of gender-based violence, stronger gender-based analysis across work carried out by government, and advancing women in leadership roles.

Some participants raised questions and expressed disappointment over a lengthy networking session that was hosted by a man representing Dale Carnegie.

Minister of the Status of Women Carol Ann Haley apologized when questioned by Opposition Critic Tracey Perry.

NDP Leader Gerry Rogers’ question was more pointed. She says participants were subjected to 5.5 hours of passive listening, while a man spoke to them how to be nice, smile and pray. She called it a “hastily-organized PR event.”