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Local resident, and Deputy Chief Coroner of Ontario, Dr. Bonita Porter was named one of the top 100 most powerful women in Canada in 2008 by the Women's Executive Network.

"It's a great honour," said Porter. "I met some fascinating people at the awards luncheon on Tuesday, and I am very pleased to have been chosen."

Porter was promoted to Deputy Chief Coroner in 1996, and finished an appointed term as Chief Coroner of Ontario in June.

Nov. 25 marked the sixth year the awards have been given out to successful women across Canada.

"We are currently facing uncertain economic times," said Women's Executive Network (WXN) founder Pamela Jeffery in a press release. "But at WXN we are seeing that women remain committed to ongoing professional development and moving their careers forward- perhaps now more than ever. I believe this is partially due to the inspiration of the amazing women we are honouring today."

Porter said she was honoured to be nominated and receive the award that included a silver pin.

According to the WXN web site, www.wxnetwork.com, the awards are given to women who are from many walks of life. An independent advisory board selects the winners that fit into eight categories which are: Corporate Executives; Entrepreneurs; Public Sector Leaders; Trailblazers and Trendsetters; Champions; Professionals; Future Leaders; and Arts and Communications.

Porter hopes to see this as an opportunity for women across Canada to build professional relationships with other motivated women.

"I think it offers the opportunity for mentoring and I would anticipate that we have identified a lot of women now who would be interested in mentoring other young women who are just starting out in their careers," she said. "I think the prime benefit of it is the ability to network and to make connections, so that you do get some assistance as your traveling along your career path."

Although, she feels this is a step in the right direction, Porter said that there is still a long way to go for women.

"When you hear about young women in Afghanistan being the targets for violence just because they are trying to get an education," she said. "To me, it means that we have a lot of issues that we have yet to overcome."