The National Council of Welfare, which was created in 1969, advises the federal government on the needs and problems of low-income Canadians, and on social and related programs and policies that affect their welfare.

The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General Michaelle Jean have approved the appointment of Colonel Glen Shepherd to the council for a three-year term.

Members serve to represent the area of the country where they live, not a particular organization. Colonel Shepherd will be serving in Quebec.

Social welfare is about how people, communities and institutions in a society take action to provide certain minimum standards and certain opportunities for those less fortunate. To this end, the council communicates directly with the Minister, informs and influences public opinion through widely-distributed reports, and provides a vehicle through which people, concerned with issues surrounding those who have met with hard times in Canada, can make their views known to the Government.

The mandate of the council is available on its website: www.ncwcnbes.net.