118th NCWC Annual Meeting

Resolutions Approved at the AGM!

2011-09-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

Here are the approved and amended Resolutions (now Policy) from the 2011 Annual Meeting.

NCWC RESOLUTIONS 2011

#1: BANNING ALL OFFSHORE DRILLING IN THE ARCTIC

Whereas #1 there has been widespread thawing in the Arctic dueto climate modification, resulting in:

a. exposure of a very delicate ecosystem that, ifdamaged, cannot be repaired, and

b. more exposedareas that can be exploited or used for research; and

Whereas #2 it is known that there are vast, richdeposits of great variety in the seabed, thought to hold one quarter of theworld’s undiscovered oil; and

Whereas #3 the effect of an oil spill on the delicate nature ofthe ecosystem is irreversible because:

a. oil cannot be cleaned up adequately in the coldArctic waters;

b. the drilling of emergency side-pipes is not likelyto be feasible when the spill occurs under the ice and the occurrence is notidentified in time; and

c. these areas are onlyavailable for remedial action two months of the year; and

Whereas #4 a spill inArctic waters could destroy the last rich reserves of fish and significantwildlife habitat; and

Whereas#5 with the expected surge in drilling and transportation of oil,accidents are expected to increase, accidents which are dangerous andimpossible to control and have serious implications for the preservation of thenow healthy ecosystem; therefore be it

Resolved #1 that the NationalCouncil of Women of Canada adopt as policy the banning of all offshore drillingin the Canadian Arctic waters; and be it further

Resolved #2 that theNational Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:

a. proceed urgently to ban alloffshore drilling in the Canadian Arctic waters;

b. improve Canada’s capacity tomonitor effectively the banning of all offshore drilling activity in theCanadian Arctic waters and enforce existing legislation;

c. ensure that the results ofmonitoring practices are verifiable and made public;

d. continue to work with theArctic Council to promote the banning of all offshore drilling in the Arctic;

e. work with other countrieswith off-shore waters to ban off-shore drilling in Arctic waters; and

f. encourage the use of theconnection with NORAD for oil-drilling monitoring; and be it further

Resolved #3 that theNational Council of Women of Canada urgethe Government of Canada to work with the United Nations to achieve a ban onoffshore drilling in the Arctic.

#2: NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY POLICY

Whereas#1 an increasingly small group of companies hasgained control over the food supply and is generating huge profits; and

Whereas#2 farm income for a number of agriculturalcommodities has declined while prices to consumers have increased, often makingnutritious food unaffordable for many low-income families; and

Whereas#3 Canadian farmers cannot compete globallyagainst lower agriculture and labour standards in other countries; and

Whereas#4 worldwide food shortages are likely toresult from global warming and continued population growth; and

Whereas#5 Canada is losing good farmland largely dueto urban sprawl and the farm population is in a continued decline; therefore beit

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canadaadopt as policy that Canada establish a national food security policy in orderto provide safe and nutritious food for the entire Canadian population; and beit further

Resolved#2 that the National Council of Women of Canadaurge the Government of Canada to formulate a national food security policy thatwill:

a. monitorurban expansion with a view to preserving good farmland and expanding Canada’scapacity for food production;

b. ensuresustainable production, processing and distribution which could build long-termsustainable farm incomes for both small and large enterprises;

c. ensurethat international agreements affecting food are based on the best Canadianstandards;

d. recognizethat supply managed systems help to stabilize the supply of high quality foodfor consumption in Canada at affordable prices and help to stabilize farmincomes within the marketplace; and

e. ensuresafe and nutritious food for all Canadians including those on low income andthose who are geographically isolated.

#3: ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE CANADIAN FOOD SUPPLY

Whereas#1 the safety of Canada’s food supply is a basic expectation for Canadians;and

Whereas #2 the risks of foodborne illnesses have increasedsignificantly with the development of large scale farming and food processingas well as the globalization of the food supply; and

Whereas #3 in a national foodborne emergency under the currentsystem, there is a possibility of confusion of roles between federal andprovincial governments and between departments of the federal government; aswell as a lack of communication between government agencies and laboratoriesresponsible for testing; and

Whereas #4 the Auditor General of Canada pointed out in a 2009report that federal inspection of imported plants and produce coming intoCanadian ports was not adequate; and

Whereas #5 many shipments of unprocessed meat products enterCanada without inspection at border crossing points; and

Whereas #6 the risks associated with processes along themanufacturing chain of prepared foods may occur:

a. directly with the additionof toxic substances: e.g. melanin added to powdered milk to increase itsmeasured protein content, or

b. indirectly: e.g. from livestockfeed contaminated resulting in meat contamination or egg products containinghigh levels of dioxin; therefore be it

Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adoptas policy that the Safety of Canada’s food supply be a high priority for theGovernment of Canada; and be it further

Resolved #2 thatthe National Council of Women of Canadaurge the Government of Canada in the event of a national foodborne emergency toensure:

a. recognition of the centralrole of the Canadian Public Health Agency in coordinating all levels ofgovernment and agency responses,and in communicating with the public; and

b. effective systems ofnetworking are in place between the government and the laboratories involved intesting; and be it further

Resolved #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada urgethe Government of Canada to give additional attention, via the Canadian FoodInspection Agency, to the safety of imported food through:

a. improving and strengthening regulations overimported food and implementation and evaluation of existing regulations; and

b. ensuring the equivalence at least to Canadianstandards of the exporting country’s food inspection system; and

c. improving regulations ofimported food to and from Canada including the principles of Hazard AnalysisCritical Control Points; and be it further

Resolved#4 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Governmentof Canada to work with the provinces and territories to increase co-operationin the area of food safety, improved inspection and harmonization standards, aswell as on such topics as disease notification, including the possiblere-introduction of listeriosis on the national notifiable disease list.

#4: ESTABLISHMENT OF NANOTECHNOLOGYREGULATIONS

Whereas#1 microscopic nanoparticles are being used in more than 800products sold to consumers such as titanium dioxide in sunscreen,anti-bacterial ceiling paint and tooth whiteners; and

Whereas#2 little is known about the effects of nanoparticles onhumans and animals, on the air or food, or on the way they break down in natureover time; and

Whereas#3 except for legislation obliging companies that have madeor imported more than 10 kg of certain identifiable nanoparticles to submitinformation on these products, there are no nanomaterial-specific regulationsin effect in Canada; therefore be it

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt aspolicy that there be a public inventory of nanotechnology and nanomaterials inCanada which includes regulations covering risk assessment procedures prior toa nanomaterial release into the marketplace or environment; and a systemtracking and assessing after-market issues and problems, and be it further

Resolved #2 thatthe National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:

a. establisha public inventory of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in Canada;

b. establishregulations covering risk assessmentprocedures prior to a nanomaterial release into the marketplace or environmentand a system tracking and assessing after-market issues and problems; and,

c. respondto the July 2010 recommendations of the Council of Canadian Academies concerning worker safety,namely:

i. thedevelopment of an interim classification of nanomaterials;

ii. arevision of the criteria determining if a new material or product needs to beexamined from the standpoint of its health and environmental effects; and

iii. theperfecting of standardized methods for handling nanomaterials.

#5: REFORM OF THE CANADAPENSION PLAN RETIREMENT INCOME SYSTEM FOR CANADIANS WITH AN EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Whereas#1 the economic well being of Canada’s retired population isbeing threatened by:

a. asignificant increase in the number of retirees as the baby boom generationretires; and

b. on-goinglow levels of activity in the economy, high unemployment and the underfundingand/or the failure of increasing numbers of employer pension plans, leavingaffected retirees without this income; and

c. thesignificantly reduced level of personal savings of the working age employedpopulation; and

Whereas #2 whileit is generally assumed that retirees need about 70% of their pre-retirementincome to preserve their standard of living in retirement, the Canada PensionPlan (CPP) alone is designed to replace 25% of average adjusted annual earningsup to a maximum (this amount changes yearly and is $48,300 for 2011); and

Whereas#3 the CPP is the favoured vehicle of delivery to increaseretirement income because it is considered secure, reliable, cost-effective andwell managed; and

Whereas#4 an expanded Canada Pension Plan (CPP) could provide anincreased defined benefit pension related to earnings and years ofcontributions, and would remain a public pension plan where risks are pooled toprovide adequate benefits to all contributors; and

Whereas #5 theseplan reforms are still in the design phase where no clear design has beenchosen, except that the CPP seems the preferred vehicle of delivery; thereforebe it

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt aspolicy retention of an expanded and sustainable Canada Pension Plan (CPP) withincreased benefits for all contributors to ensure them a livable retirementwith a defined, indexed and secure pension; and be it further

Resolved #2 thatthe National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada tostrengthen the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) by increasing benefits for allcontributors to ensure them a livable retirement with a defined, indexed andsecure pension.

#6: INCREASING EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVEPUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN CANADA

Whereas#1 there are many well established benefits associated withwidespread use of public transportation, such as:

a. reduceduse of fossil fuels, leading to less vehicle emissions, less environmentalpollution, improved air quality and reduced noise levels;

b. reducedcosts of municipal infrastructure;

c. fewertraffic accidents, with reduced injuries and vehicle repair costs;

d. increasedland values and business opportunities close to the transit path;

e. decreasedproduction of greenhouse gases; and

Whereas#2 there are bothequity and efficiency benefits associatedwith the use of public transportation both of which are crucialconsiderations in designing a well-functioning system; and

Whereas#3 evaluating the operation of a transportation service is extremelycomplicated, involving its effectiveness in serving both efficiency needs anddelivering benefits; and

Whereas#4 although the Government of Canada does not provide directtransportation services in the municipalities, provinces or territories, it hasan important role to play in developing a national strategy that promotes as apriority the provision of public transportation systems in the municipalities,provinces and territories, through public education and funding support;therefore be it

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt aspolicy that there be the provision of public transportation systems in Canada;and be it further

Resolved#2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge theGovernment of Canada to promote systems of public transportation in themunicipalities, provinces and territories through financial contributions andpublic education campaigns; and be it further

Resolved#3 that the National Council of Women of Canadaurge the Government of Canada to ensure that there are comprehensive evaluationprocedures for evaluating proposed new and existing transportation systems withregard to coverage based on needs, increasing ridership, and efficient andeffective operation.

PU #1: NEED FOR REALISTIC INSURANCEFOR NUCLEAR INCIDENTS

Whereas#1 in 2004, the National Council of Women of Canada adoptedas policy:

a. therejection of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.’s concept for burial of nuclear waste

b. theneed for a broad-based public debate on the energy future of Canada, with aspecific focus on the need for alternative sources of energy, energy efficiencyand energy conservation

c. theneed for significant expenditures on the search for safe technology to treatnuclear waste; upgrading of nuclear site storage and safety; development ofalternative sources of energy, energy efficiencies and energy conservation;improvements for international radiation standards, to reflect gender, age,health, long-term low level radiation exposure by workers and the public andenvironmental impacts e.g. air, water and soil

d. theneed for a Federal/Territorial/Provincial Environmental Assessment of theNuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recommendations

e. oppositionto the expansion of the nuclear industry in Canada, and the need for aphase-out of nuclear plants at the end of their life cycle, and the need for aban on the importation of high-level radioactive waste for any purpose; and

Whereas#2 in 2008 the National Council of Women of Canada adoptedas policy that:

a. themining of high grade uranium be phased out, in tandem with the phase-out ofnuclear plants at the end of their life cycle

b. themining of low grade uranium not be allowed as a replacement for high gradeuranium

c. inthe interim, active mines and mills be made safe and abandoned mines be cleanedup and secured; and

Whereas#3 rather than phase out nuclear power, Quebec, NewBrunswick and Ontario are in the process of refurbishing older plants, andOntario has plans for a second generation of nuclear plants, with all the risksthat this entails; and

Whereas#4 there would be substantive physical, social, health andenvironmental costs should a major nuclear incident take place at any of thesereactor locations; and

Whereas#5 The Government’s proposed Bill C-15 an Act RespectingCivil Liability and Compensation for Damage in Case of a Nuclear Accident(NCLA):

a. fails to require Canada’s nuclearindustry and government to publish a full spectrum of information relevant tonuclear risk and insurance, with the current information often beingincomplete, inaccurate or misleading;

b. fails to take into account theprecautionary principle;

c. requires insurance coverage for thenuclear reactor operators that falls

well short of independently-assessedprojected costs; and

transfersthe balance of insurance costs to the public; therefore be it

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt aspolicy, that:

a. nuclearreactor operators be required to carry insurance that fully covers anypotential on or offsite environmental, social, health and economic costs of anuclear incident;

b. thepublic have access to all information regarding the environmental, social,health and economic costs of potential nuclear incidents; and be it further

Resolved#2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge theGovernment of Canada to:

a. require nuclear reactor operators to carrycommercial insurance that covers the total costs of a full range of nuclearincidents, as determined by an independent detailed, life-cycle analysis of thefull environmental, social, health and economic costs of such an incident, onor offsite, and

b. regularly publish a full spectrum ofinformation relevant to nuclear risk on and offsite of nuclear installationsand nuclear insurance costs.

PU #2: InternationalTrade Agreement Negotiations with the European Union

Whereas#1 in 1998 TheNational Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopted as policy, resolution 98.6,which urged the Government of Canada to sign only those agreements which:

a. respect the economic, political and constitutionalsovereignty of Canada including the ability of all levels of government todirect investment to community based projects and underdeveloped regions of thecountry;

b. influence job creation and protect culture, healthcare, social programs, the environment and maintain labour standards;

c. include gender analysis and analysis ofenvironmental concerns, particularly as they relate to the ability of Canada tofulfil its obligations made in UN conferences in Nairobi, Vienna, Rio deJaneiro, Cairo, Copenhagen and Beijing;

d. guarantee Canadian ownership and control over thedelivery of vital natural resources, such as water, electricity and naturalgas;

e. guarantee compliance with Canadian environmentalstandards; ~~and~~

f. ensure enforcement of this compliance; and

g. ensure that trade negotiations within suchtransnational organizations as WTO, APEC and OECD represent the interests ofall citizens by:

i. working for the equal representation of women ontrade delegations from all countries, particularly by setting the example indelegations from Canada;

ii. ensuring that gender analysis, as well as socialand environmental assessments are an integral part of the process of tradenegotiations; and

iii. ensuringthat the public is fully informed in a timely way of proposed timetables fortrade liberalization taking place within trade negotiations and organizations;and

Whereas#2 the Canadian government is currently innegotiations with the government of the European Union for a ComprehensiveEconomic and Trade Agreement (C.E.T.A.); without public disclosure and adequateconsultation with the Canadian people; and

Whereas#3 a proposed trade deal with the European Union could alsobind provincial, territorial and municipal governments; and

Whereas#4 this approach could drain needed stimulus from theCanadian economy, worsen the current crisis in manufacturing and interfere withprovincial, territorial and municipal governments’ authority to provide andregulate local services; and

Whereas#5 municipal, territorial and provincial governments have the right to support Canadian suppliers; setminimum specifications for materials andservices on major projects; adopt ethical and environmental purchasingpolicies; enforce commitments to hire workers locally or require companieswinning public contracts to invest aportion of revenues or profits in Canadian communities; therefore be it

Resolved #1 that theNational Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) reiterate as policy:

a. the need for adequate publicconsultation, transparency and public disclosure in negotiation ofinternational trade agreements (including Comprehensive Economic TradeAgreement (C.E.T.A), and

b. oppositionto Canadian government negotiation of international trade agreements that bind andrestrict provincial, territorial and municipal governments; and be it further

Resolved #2 thatNCWC urge the Government of Canada to:

a. provide full disclosure to Parliamentabout trade negotiations with foreign governments;

b. engage in adequate public consultationin a transparent manner,

c. work with the provinces, territoriesand municipalities to ensure adoption of public procurement policies that:

i setspecifications for materials and services that require a minimum Canadiancontent on major projects;

ii adoptethical and environmentally sustainable purchasing policies; and,

iii enforcecommitments to hire workers locally or require companies winning publiccontracts to invest a portion of revenues or profits in Canadian communities.

PU #3 Reform of Canadian Correctional System

Whereas #1 previous policydealing with the correctional system called for the Government of Canada to:

70.3 appointa senior officer responsible for the treatment of women

81.8 improveeducation, rehabilitation and recreation; improve facilities; and constructregional; prisons

86.11 EM allocate more resources for women inconflict with the law

88.18EM study eight listed sentencing reformpolicies

89.8 protectsociety from dangerous offenders by denying them parole, confining those onparole to local correctional institutions with appropriate programmes andsupervision

89.9 appointa representative Task Force and engage in broad consultation to plan and implementbetter accommodations and programmes for women and call on NCWC to undertakestudy of eight sentencing policies, reporting back to subsequent AGM,

but none of these policies dealt with thepenal system as a whole; and

Whereas #2 the Government of Canadahas recently made clear its intention to expand the Canadian prison system at significant cost to meet theexpected increase from its recent “get tough on crime” legislation, at a timeof fiscal restraint, and when crime rates in Canada have been trendingdownwards for the last two decades; and

Whereas #3 it is estimated that 13 percent of male offenders and29 percent of female offenders suffer some form of mental illness , but mosttreatment of the mentally ill in prison is sub-standard or, especially forwomen offenders, non-existent, and

Whereas #4 most criminologistsagree that longer sentences neither improve public safety nor lead to positiveoutcomes and successful re-integration into the community for offenders; and

Whereas #5 the money which thegovernment is proposing to spend on expanding the prisons could more usefullyand effectively be spent on:

a. betterfacilities and treatment for mentally ill offenders;

b. measures to reduce the poverty which is thebackground of so many of the marginalized people who become offenders; and

c. communityprograms to support at-risk families and youths; therefore be it

Resolved #1 that the NationalCouncil of Women of Canada adopt as policy that Canada’s penal systems be basedon:

a. a rehabilitationmodel including probation, sentencing treatment and parole of prisoners whichtakes into account not only community safety but also the rehabilitation ofoffenders;

b. appropriatefacilities for mentally ill offenders, both male and female;

c. alternative approachesto sentencing which not only protect the community but also work towards therehabilitation and more positive outcomes for offenders; and

d. work with otherlevels of government to ensure that poverty reduction strategies as well ascommunity programs for the support of at-risk families and youth are in place;and be it further

Resolved #2 that the NationalCouncil of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:

a. postponeplans for further prison expansion until there has been thorough study of the needfor expansion and the associated costs and effectiveness;

b. provide separate facilities for appropriatetreatment of mentally ill offenders, both male and female;

c. explorealternative approaches to sentencing and treatment which will not only protect the community but also work towardsrehabilitation and more positive outcomes for offenders; and

d. workwith other levels of government to ensure that poverty reduction strategies aswell as community programs for the support of at-risk families and youth are inplace.

EM 1: The Need for AllCanadians to Have Access to Sufficient Resources to Cover the Necessities ofLife

Whereas#1 the UN Declaration of Human Rightsdeclares that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for thehealth and well-being of oneself and one’s family, including food, clothing,housing, necessary social services, and to security in the event ofunemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack oflivelihood in circumstances beyond his/her control”with “motherhood andchildhood entitled to special care and assistance”, and

Whereas#2 the National Council of Welfare publication, Welfare Incomes 2009 found that despite the fact that all welfare incomes increasedin 2008, this increase had very little effect as welfare incomes had alreadylost so much ground due to inflation of 45% between 1990 and 2009, welfareincomes are still far away from providing the necessities of life, as are theincomes of people working at minimum and other low wages and the CanadianCommunity Health Survey shows that 9.2% of the population of Canada or morethan 1.1 million people live with food insecurity; and

Whereas#3 research by the Canadian Centre for Public PolicyAlternatives shows that there is a growing gap between upper income Canadianswhose incomes have grown very quickly, and both middle income families, whoseincomes have stagnated,and lower income Canadians whose incomes have lostground over recent years, this putting low income earners and social assistancerecipients at risk of food and shelter insecurity; and

Whereas#4 the World HealthOrganization, responding to increasing concern about the persisting andwidening inequities, established the Commission on the Social Determinants ofHealth, and is holding a conference, the aim of which is “to catalyze politicalsupport for national policies to address social determinants of health toreduce health inequities”, and

Whereas#5 Canada is the only major industrialized country to bewithout a national housing strategy, although the pockets of extreme poverty,homelessness, near homelessness and unsafe and/or overcrowded dwellings thatexist in Canada (and which are particularly prevalent among Aboriginals, whoinclude First Nations, Inuit and Metis) have high costs in terms of poorhealth, poor school achievement, increased involvement with the police andcourts, as well as high levels of incarceration and unemployment through life;therefore be it

Resolved#1 that the National Council of Women of Canada reiteratefrom the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as policy thateveryone has “the right to a standard of living adequate for the health andwell-being of oneself and one’s family, including food, clothing, housing,necessary social services, and to security in the event of unemployment,sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood incircumstances beyond his/her control with “motherhood and childhood entitled tospecial care and assistance”; and be it further

Resolved#2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge theGovernment of Canada to develop an anti-poverty strategy that:

a. worksto improve daily living conditions of people, with special attention beinggiven to single mothers, older women, refugee women, women with disability, andAboriginal women living off reserve, at risk of food and shelterinsecurity by increasing the FederalSocial Transfer to the Provincial and Territorial Governments;

b. holdthe proinces and territories accountable for using additional benefits tosocial or income assistance recipients so that they have the resources to buysufficient nutritional food and to live in stable, safe housing;

c. implementsa National Housing strategy without delay/.

d. increasesfunding to on-reserve Aboriginals, given the exclusive federal responsibilityfor housing on reserves, in order to alleviate their food and shelterinsecurity, paying particular attention to the unsafe, overcrowded and oftenmold-infected condition of much Aboriginal housing, and lack of access to safedrinking water; and

e. developsan integrated national policy to reduce health inequities among Canadians byaddressing the social determinants of health; and be it further

Resolved#3 that the National Council of Women of Canadaurge the Government of Canada to work with provincial and territorialgovernments to ensure that their minimum wage policies support a living wage.

Overview of 118th Annual Meeting

2011-06-14T17:10:00.011-05:00

Delegates at work

Our "leaders" from the working luncheon

The following is prepared by Marilyn McGonigal, on behalf of the Local Arrangements Committee - A good overview!

By all accounts the National Council of Women of Canada 118^th Annual General Meeting should not have been the huge success it turned out to be. Such meetings take a couple of years to properly organize; acceptable venues are hard to book on short notice; and finding sponsors and quality speakers available at the right times takes a lot of work and luck. In six months a talented, hard working committee of approximately 21 experienced members of the Councils of Women in Manitoba pulled it off.

Our LAC (Local Arrangements Committee) co-chaired by Monika Feist and Marilyn McGonigal, the then presidents of the Local and Provincial Councils of Women, gathered together the experts on hand to chair sub-committees for the Program, Venue, Finance/Budget, Registration, Fundraising/Sponsorship, Communications/Public Relations, Transportation/Billeting, Volunteers/Hospitality and Docket committees.

From November to May, the Committee met 17 times and came up with a Reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and his wife, three excellent programs with one lunch and two dinners plus two Saturday afternoon panels free to the public. Additional perquisites for our out-of-province delegates included a bus tour of the city, tours of the Hydro Building and the Museum of Human Rights, a trade show on Saturday with Made in Manitoba Products, a hospitality suite for the weary travellers and an interfaith service Sunday morning.

Two notable outcomes of this annual meeting were the launch of NCWC’s Common Program for the next two years on the subject, Women and Mental Health, and a unique Joint Declaration signed by NCWC and Aboriginal Organizations and by delegates and Aboriginal sisters on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s lunch program started with Ella Amir, Executive Director of AMI-Quebec Action on Mental Illness (formerly Alliance for the Mentally Ill), who spoke on ‘Who is Caring for the Caregiver?’. She presented compelling statistics and realities of women as caregivers of their family members in need of care due to mental illness, whether by reason of nature, injury or advancing age. A very informative Panel discussion led by Bev Goodwin included Ann Pederson, Director of the BC Centre for Excellence for Women’s Health, Roberta Stout, an Aboriginal woman researcher with Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence focusing on Aboriginal Women’s Health, and Lori Peters, Coordinator of the Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program in Winnipeg. Over the next two years Councils of Women across Canada will explore the issues and solutions to help provide women with appropriate supports and urge governments to recognize and adopt critical improvements to deal with the needs of caregivers in Canada which will reach crisis proportions in future in an ageing population.

Also on Saturday we heard from Nahanni Fontaine, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet (Manitoba Government), and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, President of Native Women’s Association of Canada, (NWAC) about the tragic and urgent issue of missing and murdered women in Canada. Barbara Houle, whose daughter was murdered in July 2009, shared her story with us to illustrate the pain and inhumanity of all the stories, for which we thank her. R. B. Russell Vocational High School students in their award winning Community Action Program performed a moving and compelling play they wrote about a classmate who suddenly disappears and how this unresolved mystery affects their lives over many years.

The Federal Government’s role in not continuing the NWAC Sisters in Spirit Project which investigated and documented missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada was the inspiration for and subject of a Joint Declaration signed by NCWC, AMC (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) and NWAC, and delegates and individual Aboriginal women attending the Aboriginal Program Saturday. We made a commitment to work together with Aboriginal Women and the Federal Government on this and other critical and systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls. The Joint Declaration is a living document and has since been signed by other groups and will be circulated for support across Canada.

The Saturday evening banquet was a highlight with Heather Bishop’s story of her intrepid struggles in the feminist movement and her songs inspiring women to continue the battle for equality and human rights. All this in a setting where Jaime Black’s inspired art display of red dresses – The REDress Art Project - reminded us of missing and murdered Aboriginal Women.

Friday’s Development Organization (DO) buffet and fundraiser organized by Arlene Draffin-Jones was an inspiring evening where we heard what women can do with a little seed money from the DO to get them started or to help existing women’s projects far away and at home that promote a better life for women and families.

We were fortunate the venue at the Viscount Gort Hotel came available for our meeting just as renovations were completed. The meeting and events were fully subscribed and well received. The Local Arrangements Committee is very grateful for the energy and expertise of all the committee members and many volunteers who made it possible to show members and friends from other provinces some excellent hospitality and a good time in Manitoba.

LAC members: Maxine Balbon, Peggy Barker, Lori Blande, Joan Butcher, Arlene Draffin-Jones, Catherine Dunn, Monika Feist, Elizabeth Fleming, Helen Garrity, Susan Hancharyk, Karen Hoeft, Barb Kendel, Leona MacDonald, Marilyn McGonigal, Irene McKenzie, Leonore Saunders, Mary Scott, Bonnie Siemens, Rokhaya Soumbounou, Elaine Stevenson, Carolyn Garlich, Kelly-Ann Stevenson, Sally Thomas, Barb Toews.

List of Conveners Elected at the 118th AGM

2011-06-13T21:39:00.001-05:00

Economics - Karen Dempsey, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Citizenship and Immigration - Rosemary Mallory, North Vancouver, B.C.

Environment - Florence Erwin, New Westminster, B.C.

Global Affairs - Rashmi Bhat, London, Ont.

Health - Bonnie Desounis, Montreal, Quebec

Seniors Issues - Marilynn St. Onge, Montreal, Quebec

Culture & Heritage - Cheryl Braganza, Montreal, Quebec

Justice & Legislation - Tiffany Chung, Vancouver, B.C.

Social Development - Patricia Leson, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Employment- Kelly-Ann Stevenson, Winnipeg, MB

List of Board Elected at the 118th AGM

2011-06-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

President
Denise Mattok, Ottawa, Ontario

Past President
Mary Scott Winnipeg, Manitoba

Vice Presidents
Arlene Draffin-Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Darla Campbell
Toronto, Ontario

Gracia Janes
Niagara on the Lake

Thelma McGillivray
Hamilton, Ontario

Carol Schweitzer,
Montreal, Quebec

Carla Kozak
Edmonton, Alberta

Treasurer
Margaret Ford
Ottawa, Ontario

Joint Declaration with Signatures

2011-06-09T15:26:00.003-05:00

Joint Declaration, NCWC, with Native Women's Assoiation of Canada, and Asesmbly of Manitoba Chiefs

Thank you to our Sponsors!

2011-06-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

National Council of Women of Canada

Appreciation to our Sponsors

We wish to thank the following donors and supporters to the 118th NCWC Annual Meeting, held in Winnipeg June 2nd —June 5th

Major Donors

The Winnipeg Free Press

National Council of Women of Canada Education Fund

The Premier of Manitoba and Manitoba Status of Women

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, Inc.

Manitoba Government and General Employees Union—MGEU

Manitoba Hydro

Native Clan, Inc.

Councillor Ross Eadie and The Lord Selkirk West Kildonan Community Committee

Canadian Union of Public Employees—CUPE

Donors

Winnipeg Labour Council

CommTech Office Services

Craig Steffano

Council of Women of Winnipeg

Life Members Association, Councils of Women of Manitoba

University Women’s Club of Winnipeg

Murdina Brownlee Muriel Smith

Leonore Saunders Mary Scott

Donations to the Door Prizes

Travel Manitoba

Epicure Selections

Lori Blande

Presentation by Heather Bishop at the Banquet

2011-06-08T14:36:00.002-05:00

National Council of Women Conference Speech

Together We’re Stronger

Jaime Black – Red Dress Project – thank you for your fabulous work.

Such a fine example of how artists are always at the forefront of the revolution.

The Aboriginal community has been one of my biggest teachers in life.

In particular – it gave me my first grasp of racism and what that really looks like.

But equally and most delightfully, I learned so much about spirituality and humour.

What a privilege.

What a privilege to learn from other cultures – for diversity must be the air that we breathe in order to move this country forward.

Recently a friend of mine and I were discussing how we have fought for diversity and immigration for decades – and what the fallout of that can be.

The fallout being an influx of repressive cultural values that are decades behind the progress we have fought so hard to win. I am speaking here of misogyny and let’s not mistake cultural values for what is simply misogyny.

It got me to thinking about what it must have been like when the first wave of immigrants came to this country.

Here were Aboriginal people living in harmony with Mother Earth and along comes boatloads of strangers who are in many ways culturally and spiritually less advanced.

The Aboriginal culture at that time valued women as equals. Women held positions of power.

This was long before white women were given the vote in the early 1900s – never mind Aboriginal women who didn’t get the vote until 60 years later to our shame.

The Aboriginal culture at that time valued the gay or, as Aborignal people call it - two spirited people in their communities.

Two spirited because they believed that a gay person walks in balance with their male and female side and thus are better equipped, in some instances, to do certain jobs in the community – such as having a berdache place the medicine bundle for ceremony because that person better represents the balance of the male and female.

The Aboriginal culture revered Mother Earth and understood absolutely that all bounty and life comes from her and when we abuse her we abuse ourselves and steal from our children and grandchildren. We are still not getting that one right here in Canada – and most industrialized nations for that matter.

So when we bemoan less advanced cultural practices coming to our shores, imagine how Aboriginal people must have felt.

But yes - Artists are often at the forefront of the revolution

There is a great quote that is often attributed to Emma Goldman that says - If I can’t dance I don’t want to be part of the revolution. Works for me.

Jaime is a testament to the power of art.

Music has been the tool I have used to both heal myself and change the world.

Perhaps the best way to describe this is for me to tell you my coming out story.

In the early days of the second wave of feminism we had consciousness raising educationals. Tell story.

Once I realized that this was who I was, I knew that I had to fight for my rights as well as everyone else’s, so I knew that meant I had to come out publicly as well as personally.

So I took to the radio waves.

Tell story. Leviticus. Police. Psychology students.

And I learned. I learned a lot.

I learned that the biggest gift in my life has been that my journey here has been to live the life of a woman who takes another woman as her life partner.

In spite of all odds, it remains my biggest teacher.

In 1970 we lost our jobs, we lost our children, we were disowned by our families and subjected to shock treatments, beatings, and rape.

One of the reasons why this experience has been such a character builder as it were, is that we were the only oppressed minority whose parents and families most often wouldn’t support us.

It gave me a unique opportunity to gain personal strength – to love myself no matter how much the world might tell me I was the lowest of the low.

That’s quite a place to crawl out of I can tell you – but wow – what a gift.

I simply refuse to accept that loving someone of my own gender is anything less than beautiful.

HOW COULD ANYONE

I learned that politics never ring so true as when coming from those whose story informs the politics.

It is a simple but enormously political act to stand up and speak your truth. Whether you’re trying to change the world or just change your personal relationships. Always speak your truth.

And remember that tall trees catch the wildest and strongest winds. When you are being buffeted about – it’s because you are standing tall.

I remember a speech that T. Grace Atkinson gave in the days when we were obliged to stay in the closet in the women’s movement lest we give feminism a bad name.

Believing in the power of artists to lead the charge, I took the message from the streets to the stage 35 years ago.

Being an out Lesbian feminist musician didn’t exactly skyrocket my career.

But as Connie Kaldor pointed out to me years ago – those who open the doors for others have the task of holding open the door. The gift is in being the one holding open the doors.

But what a surprise – in spite of all the bigotry out there I have enjoyed a successful career singing to both adults and children while being out from the first time I stepped solo onto a stage.

This conference is about ‘Together We Are Stronger’.

The women’s movement taught me that for sure.

Tell story about the Abortion Caravan.

Tell story about The Sun

So I reiterate that speaking your truth is the most effective tool for change.

And if when you speak your truth you draw the wrath of ignorance and bigotry, it is because you’ve hit a nerve and they fear the power of you speaking the truth.

Your action creates a reaction that affords others, who may not feel able to step up alone, the opportunity to add their voices to the outrage that comes from the reactionary attack.

Gloria Steinam points out that without a hugely successful front lash, there would not be such a backlash.

I would like to read you a quotation from a letter from Gloria Steinam to a friend of mine who started and ran the first Battered Women and Children’s Shelter in her city for the past 33 years:

I join in the celebration of healing violence at its heart – the gender roles that model subject and object, leader and led, dominant and passive – and so normalize every other imbalance and injustice.

Whether it’s violence in the home or sexualized violence or child abuse it is neither inevitable nor acceptable.

She has brought us closer to a world in which we are linked, not ranked, and each person is visible and valued as unique.

To celebrate yourself is to celebrate life.

So when the press suggests that we are in a post feminist era – I say - in your dreams!

I know that many of young women are often afraid to call themselves feminists because they do not want to be seen to be all the nasty things that are attributed to feminists – like we don’t shave our legs…..

I love that quotation from an early suffragette who said something like - I don’t really know what a feminist is but I do know that every time I act like anything other than a doormat, I get called one.

And I say to those afraid to call themselves feminists – why would you let someone else control your life that way?

Had I been afraid of what I might be called or seen as, I would still be in the closet today and I dare say, we may not have gotten as far as we have with gay rights in this country.

Truly, knowing that feminism means equality for everyone – that feminism means social justice – I don’t know why every person does not eagerly identify as feminist.

So I would encourage you to Inquire Within. Center Your Power

We are powerful people with a vision of beauty for the planet.

If we have the courage to truly look inside and grow outside of the human foibles we are gifted with as our curriculum, then we have done what we came to do.

When we change ourselves, we change the world.

And when we pass over, the only thing we can take with us is our growth as a soul.

Fighting the good fight to make this world a better place is nothing short of a hugely growing experience.

We must be the change we wish to see in this world.

I think it’s all about leadership. And I wish I saw more of it from our politicians.

The true leader is simply the person who sees what needs to be done, rolls up their sleeves and gets at it. Jane Fonda

I think we tend to always be looking for somebody else to lead.

There is a wonderful Chinese proverb that says:

Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

And I venture to say that should you inquire within – check in with your self – you might find exactly the person you’ve been looking for. A true leader.

That said – I declare you all to be warriors.

WARRIOR

Everything’s gonna be alright – no woman no cry……..

Resolutions

2011-06-07T13:06:00.011-05:00

A quick review of the Resolutions we debated at the Annual Meeting. Many of the Approved Resolutions were approved with amendments - full details will be coming on the NCWC web site.

1: BANNING ALL OFF-SHORE DRILLING IN THE ARCTIC
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

2: NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY POLICY
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved

#3: ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE CANADIAN FOOD SUPPLY
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

4: ESTABLISHMENT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY REGULATIONS
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved

#5: REFORM OF THE CANADA PENSION PLAN RETIREMENT INCOME SYSTEM FOR CANADIANS WITH AN EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

6: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE ACROSS CANADA
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Defeated

7: INCREASING EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN CANADA
Proposed by the Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

Policy Updates

PU #1: NEED FOR REALISTIC INSURANCE FOR NUCLEAR INCIDENTS
Proposed by St. Catharines and District Council

Approved

PU #2: International Trade Agreement Negotiations with the European Union
Proposed by Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

PU #3 Reform of Canadian Correctional System
Proposed by Ottawa Council of Women

Approved

Emerging Issues
# 1 THE NEED FOR ALL CANADIANS TO HAVE ACCESS TO SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO COVER THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE

Helen Saravannamutto, NCWC Representative to Campaign 2000

Approved

#2 National Action Plan on Human Trafficking
Ottawa Council of Women

Not considered an Emerging Issue at this time

Joint Declaration, National Council of Women of Canada; Native Women's Association of Canada; Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

2011-06-07T12:55:00.001-05:00

JOINT DECLARATION

PREAMBLE

"The National Council of Women of Canada (The “NCWC”) is a member of the International Council of Women, accredited with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council's Commission on the Status of Women. NCWC is linked with seventy-seven Councils and member groups in Canada and is committed to improving the well-being of women, families and communities.”

WHEREAS Individuals in attendance at NCWC’s 118th Annual Meeting held in Winnipeg, June 2nd to June 4th (The “Delegates”) bear witness to the critical, tragic and inequitable issue of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls in Manitoba, and across Canada; and

WHEREAS Delegates unequivocally affirm their commitment to actively working together towards complete protection of, respect for and fulfilment of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples’ human rights; acceptance and affirmation of their cultural identity; and their declared Right of Self-Determination; and

WHEREAS Delegates are committed to encouraging the Government of Canada to implement a National Task Force leading to federal legislation that prevents further missing and murdered women/girls, and that addresses the systemic and inequitable access for culturally appropriate services at the community level and enacts a paradigm shift in how policies are designed that govern such programs and services;

THEREFORE, Delegates affirm, assert and recognize Inherent and Treaty Rights of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and seek to support the full and equitable participation of Aboriginal Peoples, in particular Aboriginal women and girls, within Canadian society intrinsically addressing the systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls and eradicating social, cultural, economic and spiritual inequalities encountered by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada;

AND, FURTHER, Delegates support the second annual “Walk for Justice” for murdered and missing women starting June 21, 2011, and encourage others to support the walk as it moves across Canada.

WHEREAS In November 2008, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) reviewed Canada’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and issued its Concluding Observations in Geneva where the Committee asked Canada to report back in one year on steps taken to address inadequate social assistance rates across the country and the failure of law enforcement agencies to deal with the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls; and

WHEREAS In February 2009 Canada was told by the UN Human Rights Council it is not doing enough in areas such as aboriginal rights, violence against women, poverty and racism; and

WHEREAS CEDAW recommended Canada develop a specific and integrated plan for addressing the particular conditions affecting Aboriginal women, both on and off reserves, including poverty, poor health, inadequate housing, low school-completion rates, low employment rates, low income and high rates of violence; and

WHEREAS NCWC continues to urge the Government of Canada to develop, fund and implement an integrated plan, in collaboration with the NWAC, to address the systemic conditions affecting Aboriginal women, specifically insufficient services and resources, and to continue collaboration and partnership with Aboriginal communities in addressing systemic issues of violence against women and children; and

WHEREAS NCWC in solidarity with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) continues to urge the Government of Canada to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with NWAC, in reporting back to CEDAW, with particular attention to addressing the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls.

THEREFORE, NCWC and the undersigned members of the Aboriginal community are committed to working together to encourage the Government of Canada to draft an Aboriginal Human Rights Code in consultation with First Nations governments in compliance with the UN Human Rights Conventions; and to ratify and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with particular attention to addressing the inequalities encountered by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada;

AND FURTHER, NCWC and the undersigned members of the Aboriginal community declare their continued commitment in cooperation, engagement, and support of Aboriginal women, to urge open and meaningful public policy dialogue between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal communities on critical issues needing immediate resolution in addressing the systemic issues of violence against Aboriginal women and girls.

NCWC, NWAC, AMC, and Members of the Aboriginal Community

NCWC, President __________________________________________________

NWAC, President __________________________________________________

AMC __________________________________________________

(Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs)

[Members of Aboriginal Community] __________________________________________________

Delegates

Background of NCWC Policy

Since 1997 the National Council of Women of Canada has adopted as policy and has urged the Government of Canada to

1. Work with provincial and territorial governments and with aboriginal organizations and governing bodies to develop and fund more safe houses/shelters, on and off reserve, including programs and services that respect aboriginal culture and traditions, for aboriginal women and their children who are victims of family violence. Engage stakeholders to successfully address the underlying issues contributing to the high rate of family violence within the Aboriginal community, and to increase the capacity of Aboriginal women to break the cycle of family violence;

2. Collaborate with Provincial and Territorial governments and with aboriginal organizations and governing bodies, and to consult with civil society to develop anti-poverty legislation that includes a strategy to eliminate poverty by addressing the systemic barriers to full social participation by all Canadians and which contains accountability measures for government, in support of the UN Millennium Goals;

3. Provide more effective prenatal care for aboriginal women, as they are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, so that their children are less likely to be born HIV+;

4. Study the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and undertake appropriate action using a conciliatory process to create a new and better relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Peoples;

5. Remove section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act as quickly as possible and to draft an Aboriginal Human Rights Code in consultation with First Nations governments in compliance with the UN Human Rights Conventions;

6. Sign and Ratify the UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

7. Establish a national comprehensive child care policy designed to facilitate the development of child care services and resources which would, inter alia, be sensitive to the particular cultural requirements of aboriginal and immigrant families;

8. Enter into partnership with Aboriginal communities and organizations to review and identify barriers to the use of Section 81 and 84 of the Correctional and Conditional Release Act , and create and implement an action plan to encourage its use for Federally Sentenced Aboriginal Women. This partnership should include financial resources for those communities wishing to undertake the responsibility of assisting in the reintegration of Aboriginal women offenders; and Ensure that Federally Sentenced Aboriginal Women are fully aware of Sections 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and encouraged to apply under these sections;

Historic Event

2011-06-05T20:04:00.002-05:00

This press release is being distributed on behalf of:

National Council of Women of Canada · Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs · Native Women’s Association of Canada

For Immediate Release June 4, 2011

INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR ACTION ON ISSUE OF MISSING/MURDERED WOMEN
---UN-affiliated Canadian women’s group signs declaration with NWAC, AMC, more supporters invited to sign on---

WINNIPEG - The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) signed a declaration today with AMC First Nations Women’s Committee representative Chief Francine Meeches (Swan Lake First Nation) and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). Together, NCWC, AMC and NWAC are calling for a national task force into missing and murdered aboriginal women at the 118th Annual Meeting of NCWC held today at the Viscount Gort hotel in Winnipeg.

The NCWC, an affiliate of the UN-accredited International Council of Women, had the signing ceremony, presentations and displays at their annual meeting as part of their on-going work and commitment to supporting and advocacy of Aboriginal women in Canada.

"The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) is committed to the continuation of our close partnership with our Aboriginal sisters and Aboriginal organizations, and support their voices being heard,” said NCWC President Mary Scott.

In November 2008, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women required Canada to report back on steps taken to address the failure of law enforcement agencies to deal with the disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women and girls.

“The UN has already come down on Canada for its poor track record on missing and murdered aboriginal women and this issue is clearly becoming more and more important to women all over the world,” said Chief Meeches.

“We thank NCWC for their support and we invite more groups to sign on to this living declaration that supports our women, and by extension all women,” said Corbiere Lavell.

The National Council of Women of Canada is a member of the International Council of Women, accredited with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council's Commission on the Status of Women and is linked with 77 Councils and member groups in Canada.

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is one of Canada's National Aboriginal Organizations and represents Aboriginal women, particularly First Nations and Métis women. NWAC has representation in meetings of Canadian leaders and is generally viewed as the national voice representing Aboriginal women in Canada.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is the political voice of action for Manitoba First Nations. The AMC First Nations Women’s Committee was formed in 1995 to advocate for women and work towards the inclusion of women in decision-making.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Elaine Stevenson
Cell: 204-470 9375

Or email: ncwc@magma.c

Declaration will be signed at the Viscount Gort Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba at approximately 4:00 pm June 4th

National Council of Women of Canada website: www.ncwc.ca

Native Women’s Association of Canada website: www.nwac.ca

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs website: www.manitobachiefs.com

Opening Reception - Goverrnment House

2011-06-03T07:02:00.001-05:00

Hosted by the Honourable Philip Lee and Mrs. Lee, the Opening Reception was inspiring, colourful, and fun! Our Hosts were welcoming, and spoke of the long record of service and influence of the Councils of Women in Canada. The Hon. Jennifer Howard, Minister for the Status of Women addressed us - and encouraged us to keep on doing our research, education and advocacy.

The St. Ambroise Youth Steppers were lively, and colourful. The fiddler was a big hit.

Media Release - out today, June 2nd

2011-06-02T05:58:00.000-05:00

Media Release

National Council of Women of Canada

118^th Annual General Meeting

June 2 -5, 2011 Viscount Gort Hotel

Saturday, June 04^th Program Highlights

Women and Mental Health

Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

Release of Joint Declaration supporting Aboriginal Sisters

For Immediate release: June 02, 2011

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) will host their 118^th Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg at the Viscount Gort Hotel, June 2 to 5, 2011. The Public is invited to attend the Saturday, June 04^th programming starting at 1:00 p.m.

“We have developed a strong public program that will offer insight into the many issues facing women suffering from mental health illness", said Mary Scott, NCWC President. “In addition our session on missing and murdered aboriginal women will end with the release of a joint declaration between NCWC, aboriginal organizations and NCWC delegates, expressing support and a “Call to Action” on a number of critical, tragic and inequitable issues facing our aboriginal sisters.”

NCWC encourages the public to attend the following public programs:

Saturday, June 04 Program: Pre-Registration required

¨ Women and Mental Health Panel: (no charge to attend session) 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Beverley Goodwin, Mental Health Advocate. Moderator

Gender and How It Shapes Mental Health and Care with

Ann Pedersen, Executive Director, BC Centre of Excellence Women’s Health;

Consumer Perspective, Celine Flater

Kiskâyitamawin Miyo-Mamitonecikan: Urban Aboriginal Women, Roberta Stout, Researcher, Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence;

Popular Culture’s Influence on the Body-Image and Mental Health of Girls and Women, with

Lori Peters, Program Coordinator/Counsellor, Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program, Women’s Health Clinic

Discussion

¨ Honouring Our Aboriginal Sisters -3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (no charge to attend session)

Missing and Murdered Women, Nahanni Fontaine, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women's Issues, Manitoba Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet

Barb Houle, Mother of Cherisse Houle, found murdered July 01, 2009

Artistic Presentation / Community Action Group, R.B. Russell Community Action Group, Teacher Jay William

Call to action for Solidarity with Our Aboriginal Sisters

¨ To pre-register for all sessions contact pcwm@mts.net or call 992-2751

The National Council represents thousands of Canadian women of diverse backgrounds through its non-partisan, nonprofit volunteer member councils, linking 77 organizations across the Nation, all working to improve the lives of women, children and communities in Canada.

For more information on the rich and varied history of the NCWC please view the attached Background or visit our Website at www.ncwc.ca

-30-

Contact:

Elaine Stevenson

Communications Chair

118^th NCWC Annual General Meeting

Cell : 470-9375

Email: esteven@mts.net

Website: www.ncwc.ca

Link to the Interview with Barb Bowes on CJOB

2011-06-02T05:45:00.000-05:00

Here is the link to the broadcast of the interview with Mary Scott on "Bowes Knows"on CJOB:

http://www.legacybowes.com/resources/radio-interviews.html.

Enjoy!

Photos from the last offical LAC (Local Arrangements Committee) meeting - May 30th

2011-05-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

Lori Blande, Marilyn McGonigal, Bonnie Siemens

Susan Hancharyk, Elaine Stevenson, Karen Hoeft

Joan Butcher, Barb Kedel, Helen Garrity

Mary Scott, Arlene Draffin-Jones

Marilyn McGonigal, Leona MacDonald, Kelly-Ann Stevenson

Boews Knows - on CJOB

2011-05-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

Great fun today on Radio - Here are some of the questions we discussed (all prepared by Communications Chair for the Arrangements Committee, Elaine Stevenson) Note: the show was recorded, and we will post the link as soon as it is ready - expect June 1 --

“Bowes Knows on CJOB”

200- 1440 Jack Blick Avenue

Sunday, May 29, 2011, (9:45 a.m. be there)

Show runs 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Guest: Mary Scott, President of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC)

Interview Questions

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

What is the National Council of Women of Canada?

It’s quite an achievement to be celebrating the NCWC 118^th Annual General Meeting. How was the NCWC first formed and where did their first meeting take place?

What were the issues facing women back in 1893?

What are some current initiatives the NCWC is undertaking on a National and Global basis?

I noticed that “Together We are Stronger” is the theme of your meeting being hosted in Wpg. How did you arrive at that?

Where is the meeting being held and on what dates?

Are any other women’s groups involved in the organization of this meeting?

Let’s hear about some of the 2011 NCWC program highlights.

Why did the NCWC choose the issue of Women and Mental Health as their core program for the next two years?

You’re also devoting a session to Honoring Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women…why?

How does the NCWC intend to ensure that the issue of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women is not forgotten?

Your committee is really encouraging the Public to attend…Why?

How can someone get more information on the NCWC annual meeting?

http://ncwc.ca/whatsNew_agm.html

Media Notice

2011-05-28T20:29:00.001-05:00

For immediate release

May 04 , 2011

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) will host their 118^th Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg at the Viscount Gort Hotel, June 2 to 5, 2011.

“An important focus of the NCWC meeting will be the launch of the common program for the next two years We will be focusing our efforts on women and mental health issues,” said Mary Scott current President of the NCWC.

“We remain very concerned about the impact of poverty, literacy, devalued role expectations, restricted decision-making, violence and sexual abuse on women’s mental health. By concentrating on these important issues we will consult with Canadian women, advise governments and advocate for changes that are necessary to strengthen the emotional well being of women individually and collectively in society.”

The annual meeting is Co-hosted in partnership with the NCWC by the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba Inc., and the Council of Women of Winnipeg. In addition to organizing all the planning involved for this annual meeting, these organizations are encouraging the public to participate in their free and open sessions.

The Public is invited to attend the following program lunches, dinners and sessions:

(Pre-registration required)

¨ Friday, June 03, 2011- NCWC Development Organization International Buffet dinner and Multicultural Program, $25.00 -7:00 -10:00 p.m.

¨ Saturday, June 04, 2011 - NCWC Education Fund Women and Mental Health lunch "Who is Caring for the Caregiver?" Ella Amir, Executive Director, AMI-Québec Action on Mental Illness -$25.00, 12:00 noon -3:00 p.m.

¨ Women and Mental Health Panel: (no charge to attend session)

Beverley Goodwin, Mental Health Advocate. Panelists Anne Pedersen, Executive Director, BC Centre of Excellence Women's Health; Roberta Stout, Researcher, Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence; Lori Peters, Program Coordinator/Counsellor, Provincial Eating Disorder Prevention and Recovery Program, Women's Health Clinic

¨ Honouring Our Aboriginal Sisters -3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (no charge to attend session)

Nahanni Fontaine, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women's Issues, Manitoba Aboriginal Issues Committee of Cabinet speaking on the "Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women & Girls

¨ NCWC Premier's Banquet, Saturday evening - $50.00, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Featuring; Heather Bishop, advocate and internationally acclaimed musician

Jaime Black, creator of the REDress Project, honouring missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

¨ To pre-register and purchase tickets for lunches, dinners and all sessions contact pcwm@mts.net or call 992-2751

The National Council represents thousands of Canadian women of diverse backgrounds through its non-partisan, nonprofit volunteer member councils, linking 77 organizations across the Nation, all working to improve the lives of women, children and communities in Canada.

For more information on the rich and varied history of the NCWC please view the attached Background or visit our Website at www.ncwc.ca

-30-

Background of NCWC attached

Contact:

Elaine Stevenson

Communications Chair

118th NCWC Annual General Meeting

Phone: 488-0408

Email: esteven@mts.net

Website: www.ncwc.ca

Background

2011-05-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC), founded in October, 1893, represented over 200 womens’ organizations. Its Constitution legalized a federation of women from diverse political, social and religious arenas whose close association with one another united them to pursue common goals. At its Annual General Meeting held in Ottawa in 1894, the Council highlighted the poor conditions and wages of female factory workers, the need for a trained corps of nurses to assist families with the provision of medical treatment and midwifery, and the exigencies of the domestic servant who “of all the industries, were the most neglected, degraded and shunned”.

The National Council of Women of Canada’s membership rapidly expanded, creating provincial and local councils of women from coast to coast. Each collective sought the betterment of women through grassroots consultation and organized debate. The Council’s many successes include ‘The Person’s Case’ which recognized that women were in law “persons”, the federal government’s agreement to reinstate the status of aboriginal women married to non-status Indians, the rights of divorced women and changes to the Criminal Code to ensure the protection of the sex trade workers.

The National Council of Women will continue to focus on the equality of women.

For more information on the history and current undertakings of the NCWC please visit their web site at www.ncwc.ca

Welcome!

2011-05-28T20:14:00.000-05:00

The 118th Annual Meeting starts on Thursday, June 2nd. We will use this blog to update you as to what is happening, and maybe some photos too! So come back often.