mbwi.ca · Web viewManitoba Agriculture: Thelma Blahey, Box 2000 Arborg R0C 0A0 204-641-4133....

Newsletter | August/September 2020Vol 103. No. 4

1129 Queens Avenue, Brandon, MB, Canada R7A 1L9

AGM by Canada Post Questions/Answers

On the comment sheet provided with our mail in ballot, many questions were asked. We decided to publish the answers in the newsletter to provide an answer that all members would see.

Please note, any suggestions for resolutions were forwarded to the Resolutions Committee and we thank those who provided positive comments regarding this year’s board and AGM format.

1. Question- Does my ballot identify who the member is? Who are the scrutineers involved in the counting of the ballots?

Answer- The ballot numbering system was used to prevent duplication of the ballots. There was no record made of who received what ballot. The ballots were not opened by the EA until in the presence of the two additional scrutineers: Tanya Lasher, Bookkeeper/Database Coordinator, MB 4-H Council and Leanne Sprung, Rural Leadership Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development.

2. Question- Would it be possible to be informed of the incoming board for 2020-21?

Answer- This information was provided on the flip side of the comment page. You can also find the current board listing in the newsletter as well, on page 2.

3. Question- The work of the SWA board must be dealt with next year. Our board would have chance to decide how money in bank account is divided. We don’t need provincial board choosing where the funds go. This SWA gathered the funds and need freedom of speech

Answer- There appears to be a misconception of the MWI board’s involvement in the SWAprocess. The SWA final AGM was postponed due to the Pandemic by the SWA individuals in charge. The MWI board is not and has not chosen where the funds go from any of the disbanding regions, the money may be dispersed in the communities before SWA wraps up its regional board. After the provincial mail-in vote, SWA decided to proceed with a mail ballot to their SWA members for their consideration. (Please see submitted article page 11. AM)

4. Question- Add signature and date line to Letter of Support before sending

Answer- This will be added before the letter goes to the Ministers.

5. Question- Until all of Manitoba, that is represented by MWI, has equitable communication services our MWI AGM should be in this mail format. Any time there is a health emergency declared MWI should go to mail AGMs.

Answer- The mail-in vote was well received, and many members have responded that they appreci-ated being able to vote despite not being able to attend AGMs. In health emergencies like this year’spandemic MWI will likely continue to use mail-in votes. (continued on page 4 & 5)

MWI NEWS August/September 2020 2

Manitoba Women’s InstituteExecutive Administrator: Angela Pickett1129 Queens Avenue Brandon MB R7A 1L9204-726-7135 Fax 204-726-6260 [email protected]

Provincial Board 2020-2021President: Debra Barrett, Box 1311 Stonewall R0C 2Z0 204-467-5777 [email protected]—Elect: Liz Chongva, Box 73 Dugald R0E 0K0 204-853-2007 [email protected] President: Ann Mandziuk, Box 264 Minnedosa R0J 1E0 204-966-3829 [email protected]

Regional Representatives:Eastern: Janice Harrison, 48 Waterview Drive La Salle R0G 0A2 204-736-2613 [email protected]

Southwest: Peggy Bradshaw, Box 278 Binscarth R0J 0G0 204-532-2265 [email protected]

Wpg.-Interlake: Gisela Nolting, Box 87 Rosser R0H 1E0 204-467-5922 [email protected]

Manitoba Agriculture: Thelma Blahey, Box 2000 Arborg R0C 0A0 204-641-4133 [email protected]

WI Canada/FWIC Provincial Representative: Denise Joss, Box 1632 Lac du Bonnet R0E 1A0204-345-5288 [email protected]

Manitoba Gov’t Appointed Member: Heather Cummings, Box 522 Neepawa R0J 1H0 204-476-5395 [email protected]

Mission Statement“Manitoba Women’s Institute is an organization that focuses on personal development, family agriculture,

rural development and community action… locally and globally.”

Vision StatementManitoba Women’s Institute strengthens women,

families and communities.

MWI NEWS August/September 20203

President’s ThoughtsGreetings Everyone,The summer is racing past, and we are all still attempting to figure out how the fall will look. I for one am glad for some free time each day to focus on my garden rather than the complexities of the world.

MWI has kept me busy this summer with some board changes and planning for the coming year. First-ly, Manitoba’s representative to FWIC, Justina Hop, resigned from her position with FWIC. We appreci-ate the year Justina put into the role and understand that with life’s changes also come changes to our volunteering. Discussions with FWIC lead to the appointment of Denise Joss as our FWIC rep. for the upcoming year.

Denise assuming the role of FWIC rep. meant she was required to relinquish her role as Past President. In order to fill this role, our most recent Past President, Ann Mandziuk, wasapproached to consider fulfilling the duties this year. Ann agreed which left the position of President-elect to fill. Liz Chongva agreed to assume this role for a one-year period. She brings exten-sive experience with both FWIC and MWI. Recruiting a President-elect for the year 2021-2022 will begin immediately. I am very grateful to the ladies for stepping up to fill these positions and willing-ness to make the coming year a success. Please look at the second page of this newsletter for the names and contact information for the board.

We have also made some changes to our committee structures, specifically reducing the number of committees, and amalgamating a couple with similar focuses. We sincerely thank the many ladies who agreed to sit on committees for the coming year. Your energy, vision and experience will be a huge gain for MWI and strengthen our organization.

MWI was asked by the Erland Lee Museum to submit an article for their website focusing on the goals and aspirations for MWI over the coming 125 years. Please look on their website to read the articles submitted by our Canadian WI sister organizations.

Respectfully, Debra Barrett

For Your Information

MWI documents are written using the software program Word 365 which may not always be compatible with the word computer software being used by some of our membership. The result is, when members receive documents from the office, the formatting and spacing changes sometimes, making it difficult to read or it seems to be written incorrectly. This issue may be due in part to the software on the device, being used to view the document, being an older version of word. If you are having a problem, please phone the office and we will try and come up with a solution.


(continued from page 1)There have been suggestions from members that MWI consider using both a mail-in vote for those unable to attend AGMs. The board will be considering this idea in the future.

6. Question- I like to have some changes back as they have been before for example putting back the regional board because the communication is getting lost

Answer- The regional boards were disbanded due to the requests of many regions which were having difficultly recruiting people to sit on regional boards, this process began in excess of 3 boards ago. MWI has been instituting many ways to communicate with the membership. Such as, the newsletter, Snippets, regular emails, and mail outs of information. The board has revamped the role of Regional Representatives to ensure there is regular and consistent communication with the members.

7. Question- I am not pleased to receive the annual report by email at 88 years of age, it is much easier for me to read off paper. Change is ok but when WI is now run as a business and not an organization it was taken away from what was good about WI

Answer- At any time, should a member with an email wish to receive paper correspondence, we encourage contact with the office so a print-out of the material may be provided. MWI follows protocols of not-for-profit organizations as we try to adapt to the everchanging needs of members and the annually increasing costs of service provision, such as the high costs of postage.

8. Question- In this mail out everyone didn’t get the right pages to do their votes, they had two pages the same so missed one vote per page. Very confusing for some. Not a fair vote

Answer- During the ballot count, it was verified that each ballot sheet had two different sides to ensure no printing error was made. It was verified that each ballot sheet received had the two different sets of questions.

9. Question- I can not vote for a by-law that has to have code of conduct signed by each board member! The membership votes, these members to the board and is NOT for the board to decided who will stay and who will go It’s for the membership to decide if they wish that person to go. The values included in the Mary Stewart Collect have guided this organization for 105 years. Does this not tell the board some-thing!

Answer- As a not-for-profit organization which is formed by a Manitoba Government Act, we must follow the legal requirements and protocols as set out by our legal authority. Due to issues that have arisen in organizations, such as ours, a Code of Conduct is now a necessary document to prevent board members behaving in an inappropriate manner. This Code of Conduct was written by the membership and accepted by the board.

While we all respect the ‘Mary Stewart Collect’, this collect is not viewed by our legal authori-ties, especially our insurance providers as adequate in this era.(continued on page 5)

A Good Dose Of Laughter And Fun!


(Continued from page 4)10. Question- I am voting NO to accepting the financial statement until someone (the Board) can ex-

plain how we spent $30,051 MORE than we took in in 2018? Then again, overspent in 2019 by another 3,704?? There appears to be NO FUNDS remaining in the Forever Fund, which is to have at least $50,000 at all times and only % of interest used. How are wages $40,000 in 2018 and only $29,700 in 2019!!! Meetings/calls $14,800 in 2018 to $4600 in 2019

Answer- The overspending issue of 2018 was thoroughly discussed at the 2019 AGM and the membership understood the issues and accepted the financial statement as presented. Specifi-cally, in 2018, there was a greater amount spent on salaries/overtime in that fiscal year, which was greatly reduced in 2019.

The over expenditure for 2019 was based on training of the new Executive Administrator on the financial software program MWI uses. Specifically, the only amount that was higher than the MWI budget in 2019 were the Professional Fees, this was due to training of the new EA on QuickBooks.

In addition, less in person meetings were held in 2019, and more board members lived closer to the meetings, which resulted in less mileage paid.

The Forever Fund balance has not changed, it remains in two separate accounts as decided by the board under the 2014/2015 President’s leadership. Specifically, one account is at $30,000 and the other account is over $23,000.

We do not know where the misinformation that the Forever Fund was drained began. The com-ments that the Forever Fund has been drained are blatantly untrue. We understand that read-ing financial statements is not always easy, for this reason we encourage members to contact the office with their questions. The Finance Committee and EA will be happy to provide clarifi-cation.

11. Letter of support comments

Comment- It’s the companies who put up cell towers not government. Bell, Rogers, Telus etc.

Comment- Support the concept but is a function of CRTC not something the province can con-trol (in response to letter of support).

Comment- Letter of support needs company support not government

Answer- Letters are sent to the Companies who provide cell service/towers but also to the Provincial Government who negotiate and approve communication company applications.

All resolutions past and present are sent to the CRTC as well as the Communication Company and Provincial Government as each of these 3 groups are active participants in the negotiations and approval process.

All the above questions were printed as received and not edited.


EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORTI hope everyone is having a great summer! It is hard to believe it is August already, with school being cancelled since March, at my house it feels like the longest summer break ever!

The Ag building that our office is housed in is still closed to the public at this time. If there is any need to attend the office, do not hesitate to email or leave a phone message and we can arrange a time to meet.

The summer has been busy at the office, catching up on various administration duties and updating minute books and manuals. I have also taken on the task of organizing the computer files and folders, as well as the large amount of emails.

In early fall the yearly forms will be going out to individual members and Institutes.

Our social media has not been overly active with the absence of many usual events. If your WI has participated in any activities, please send a write up/picture to my email to include on our pages. We still have a steady following, but we receive an increase with more pictures and information posted.

I am very excited to work with the new board this coming year, it’s nice to see some new faces, and some returning ones as well!

Enjoy the rest of summer! It will be fall before we know it!

Angela PickettExecutive Administrator

WE WANT YOU!

Are you an Individual member looking to connect with other individual members or new members? Are you comfortable with social media and online savvy? The MWI Marketing Committee has created a proposal for a Virtual Institute after seeing the success

of this idea in both the UK and Australia, with similar groups. The idea of the Virtual Institute would follow the current meeting procedures and processes of MWI

insti-tutes but in a virtual format with online correspondence and meetings. The Virtual Institute would follow the same Bylaw, Policies, Mission and Vision of MWI, the only difference

would be that everything will be done on-line through email, Facebook, Zoom, or other platforms. The Marketing Committee has created a manual with some ideas

of how to roll this out. We are just missing enthusiastic interested members!

Please contact Angela at the office for more information!Email: [email protected]: 204-726-7135


Recently, members of Fisher Branch got together to make a no-sew T-shirt reusable bag. Lovely colours and a great way to reuse and recycle. Well done, ladies.

Do you have a Secret Dream of being a Fundraiser!

MWI plans to create a Fundraising Committee, for a short-term basis of 4 meetings this year, to gather ideas and input into developing a plan of action to raise funds. With our reduced funding and ever-increasing costs, we would like your ideas on how to fundraise to ensure the viability of WI.

Big or little ideas all are welcomed and appreciated.

Velcro®—what a rip off!Don’t worry about old age; it

doesn’tlast.


FWIC / WI-Canada Report for August 2020Manitoba Representative – Denise Joss (reporting)

MWI accepted the resignation of Justina Hop as FWIC Rep. Consequently, the MWI Board has appoint-ed Denise Joss fill the position until the next AGM election. Denise will continue her role serving on 2 FWIC committees, Advocacy and Grant Funding Research. She also assumes the now vacant position on the FWIC projects committee.

Both Denise Joss and MWI President, Debra Barrett attended the August 10th meeting through Zoom technology where we could see most of the other members. We were warmly welcomed by Joan Holthe, FWIC President.

Meeting Highlights:• Only one of the 2 student employment grants to assist with operating the Hoodless Home was

ap-proved ( cleaning & “ghostly sleep-over” events )• Inviting location scouts from Murdoch Mysteries to tour our Homestead• Small grant just arrived also giving Hoodless Home Museum status• Manitoba is the featured province in the next FWIC newsletter.• Discussions about CEBA applications• Process of converting to the new financial system and past 6 months data entry needs were dis-

cussed with suggested plans of action• New Pin design competition for FWIC/ACWW Triennial will be in a rectangle shape and open

for your artistic ideas (do not use WI Logo)• Tweedsmuir competition entries are very much needed at this time• Membership increase of $2.50 discussed – Manitoba concerns raised• Other provinces requested our Mail-In AGM templates and schedules as are in the same situation

for AGMs (sent with MWI President Debra’s approval)• FWIC is currently revising their Bylaws, Strategic Plans & Financials.•In summary we are working on parallel issues that affect both MWI & FWIC..


Food for Thought from the Ag CommitteeLately there are many articles in farm newspapers and magazines about transferring the farm to the children tax free, called “tax rollover”. These “tax rollover” rules in the Income Tax Act have many conditions attached one might not be aware of. It is good to seek advice from your accountant early enough to be able to plan accordingly.

Also, Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) provide farm estate planning for their members with a complimentary on-farm visit.

Submitted by Gisela Nolting

FWIC—WI CANADA NEWS

The date for our next FWIC annual general meeting has been steadily creeping forward, and I would like to extend an invitation for you to attend this virtual meeting on September 17, 2020 commencing at 1:00 ET. Any members that want to take part in the meeting will please send an e-mail to the FWIC office at [email protected] to receive the required link to the zoom connection.

Yours For Home and Country

Joan Holthe, President

Justina Hop, Thank you for your involvement with the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada as our Manitoba Representative. I am sure your efforts and energies were appreciated by FWIC as they were by MWI. We wish you well with your future endeavours. Your resignation will certainly please your grandchildren as you will now have more free time to enjoy activities with them.


Social Distancing—but hard to get a picture of everyone!

In July eight members of the Grosse Isle Women’s Institute met at the hall for the first time since March. We tried to obey social distance guidelines. After a short business meeting we spent the even-ing making greeting cards instructed by one of our own members, talked about life during Covid-19, and caught up on recent events. We had a delicious snack of cake, rhubarb crisp and wild saskatoons with ice cream.Submitted by Gisela Nolting

Cards made by some of the members of Grosse Isle.

ACWW NEWSWe are 2 months away from Women Walk the World, rescheduled to take place on or around 15th October!

Have you started planning your event yet? Whether its a solo walk to raise funds or a socially distanced group walk, we have lots of new and exciting resources for you over on our website: https:// www.acww.org.uk/wwtw.html


Southwest A AGM by Ballot 2020As Covid-19 restrictions continue, SWA Executive decided to hold an AGM by mail-in Ballot. A letter and ballot form were sent to all members of SWA Region, with a list of questions that they had to answer with a YES / NO answer. There was also an opportunity for the members to add comments at the bottom of the ballot form.

48 ballot forms were received, and the overwhelming majority voted to disband the Regional Board, and to recognize the name change to Southwest Region. The members were in favour of the appointment of Peggy Bradshaw as Regional Representative for the Southwest Region.

The membership was in favour of archiving the Regional Record Books at the Minnedosa Archives, and that the Regional Banner will be stored at the MWI office in Brandon. The Book of Remembrance will continue, and will be updated annually. Dianne Kowalchuk will be asked to continue to do the updating.

An annual get-together will continue, using the current rotation, which includes a Celebration of Life. After all outstanding bills have been paid, the remaining funds will be disbursed to each local, who can then decide how best to use the money received.

The comments have been recorded and the Ballots and envelopes have been destroyed. If anyone has any questions, they can contact Elaine Thomson at 204-874-2379.

Submitted bySheona Smith, Secretary

Coming Events

SEPTEMBER 202016—MWI Board meeting—conference callOCTOBER 20201—Newsletter deadline11—International Day of the Girl Child The theme is Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow.15—International Day of Rural Women The theme is I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights. 16—World Food Day The theme is Our Actions are Our Future..21—MWI Board meeting In person (pending)NOVEMBER 2020Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference cancelled

DECEMBER 20201—Newsletter deadline30—Resolutions DeadlineJANUARY 2021MB Ag Days, Brandon cancelled

FEBRUARY 202119—Manitoba Women’s Institute Day23—Canada’s Agriculture Day

Manitoba Women’s Institute1129 Queens AvenueBrandon MB R7A 1L9


The Institute News is published six

times per year.Out-of-province subscription:

$40.00In-province: no subscription

ISBN 1188-0961Next issue: October 2020

Published byManitoba Women’s Institute.

To comment or to make a submission, please send an e-mail to:

[email protected]

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