The newsletter

A Special Edition - 125thanniversary

This special edition of the NCWC newsletter is dedicated to showcasing the

2018 AGM which was hosted by the Niagara District Council of Women,

June 7–10. We thank the many people who gave willingly and gladly of their

time and talents to ensure its success.

This newsletter contains articles which are informative and provide some

insight into the decision-making process of our organization. From the

perspective of the various authors, the AGM was both an interesting and busy

time as we joined together in unity and friendship to work collaboratively,

weaving the strong tapestries of support and services that benefit women,

families, and indeed, the whole of Canadian society.

This year, we celebrated the deep roots of the NCWC in the history of Canada

over the past 125 years. In commemoration of this milestone, long time

member, Randi Gage, presented each attendee with a badge. It proudly

proclaims our mandate and applauds our organization for its national

recognition as one of the main advocates for the most vulnerable members of

our society. Special thanks to Randi for this memorable tribute and unique

token of remembrance.

Through our resolutions, we have remained firmly focussed on the future by

continuing our work to mitigate the challenges faced by marginalized women

and girls in our society. The voices of many women have been silenced and we

continue to be there for them – to make their stories heard and to facilitate the

changes that will empower them to speak up and become active leaders in their

communities.

In addition, we celebrated the significant progress that NCWC has made in

advancing our past resolutions. Advocacy work takes dogged determination

and a strong spirit to bring it to fruition. It is with deep satisfaction and

pleasure we share these accomplishments with you.

We trust you will enjoy this special edition of our newsletter as we share our

experiences from the 2018 AGM. Our time together featured deep and

thoughtful discussions, punctuated with passionate oratory, and ended with a

renewed commitment to continue to work in unison. Our vision is one where all

Canadians, especially women and girls, are empowered to aspire to

and assume their rightful roles in our society.

Patricia Leson, Vice President, Public Relations & Communications

National Council of Women of Canada

www.ncwcanada.com

The N C W C Newsletter — Special Edition MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It was a great pleasure to attend the 125th AGM and Conference held from June 7-10, 2018, in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Many thanks to our host the Niagara District Council of Women who concurrently celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Gracia Janes and her committee are to be congratulated.

Sharing the enthusiasm of members from across Canada is always heart-warming and inspiring. Renewing old friendships and making new friends, discussing and exchanging ideas motivates new directions. Members who attend AGMs infuse and recharge their Councils and Associations, keeping innovation and progress

alive. Frequently this translates into the development of new policies which benefit all Canadians.

One of the main activities was the ratification of our resolutions. In addition, we were treated to a wonderful array of social events, including wine tasting at one of the many fine local wineries, touring Gracia Janes’ garden and enjoying a banquet celebrating NCWC’s 125th Anniversary.

After many lively debates, our resolutions were ratified. We are pleased with the new policies we will be bringing to the attention of the Canadian Government. An emerging issue, which became policy, “Curbing Gang Activity and Gun Violence,” garnered a great deal of attention. Globally, multi-faceted violence has been at the forefront of discussions. NCWC members have attended government sponsored conferences and contributed to the dialogue, and it is hoped these activities will lead to a reduction in violence.

The Resolutions Committee is to be commended on a job well-done. We look forward to receiving your Resolutions suggestions for next year. Please send them to our new Resolutions Chair, Jane Cowell Poitras, jane.cowell.poitras@sympatico.ca. If you have any questions, Jane will be happy to help you.

In communications with the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety, we stressed the importance of early Life Skills Education, which is a part of our 2017-19 Common Program, as a means to help society deal with violence. Research shows that behavioural change will prevent conflict and violence.

An afternoon devoted to the NCWC Education Program presented another side of our Common Program, Poverty - “Shining a Light on Programs that Help and Barriers that Hinder Women Living in Poverty.” Local experts presented solutions to immediate pressing problems associated with basic needs – shelter, food and clothing, and solutions

September 2018 Volume 18, Issue 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Message from President…………..…...1&3

Hospitality at 2018 NCWC AGM……….3

Congratulations Sheila………………...…..4

NCWC Resolutions—2018…....………5-10

Resolutions Process………………………….5

Colored Paddles-Weighted Voting….5-7

Results of Resolutions Discussions…….7

Progress on Past Resolutions.……….7-10

Approved NCWC Policy for 2018.…….10

NCWCDO News……………………….…….10

NCWC Education Fund News……...11-12

NCWC Facebook…………………………....12

Announcement NCWC AGM 2019…...13

Tips on Using NCWC Website……..13-14

Help us Distribute Newsletter………….14

NCWC has worked for 125 years to improve

the quality of life for women, their families and communities

www.ncwcanada.com www.facebook.com/thencwc

presncwc@gmail.com

DISTRIBUTE The NCWC Newsletter to

YOUR MEMBERS. Spread the news!

ATTENTION

NEXT ISSUE: November 1, 2018

SUBMISSIONS: October 15

NOTE: click links and photos to redirect to web to view more

Sandra Cohen-Rose

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Bill Hodgson, Regional Council-

lor Member, Niagara Region,

Pres. Sandra Cohen-Rose, NCWC

2

Barbara Hall, Ann Levasseur, President Sandra Cohen-Rose, Randy Arnot, Karen Dempsey, Patricia Leson, Gracia Janes

Gracia Janes, Elisabeth Zimmermann and President Sandra Cohen-Rose, NCWC

Gracia Janes, President, NDCW; Dan Patterson, President,

Niagara College; Sandra Cohen-Rose, President, NCWC

President Sandra Cohen-Rose,

Patrick Darte, Lord Mayor, Niagara

-on-the-Lake, Gracia Janes

Opening Reception with Butterfly The Butterfly Spirit Drummers

Ann Marie Regehr, Harpist Ruth Robinson, Jaspal Gill

Banquet at Benchmark Restaurant Opening Ceremony Gracia Janes, President

Sandra Cohen-Rose

Banquet Cake at Benchmark Restaurant Jaspal Gill, VP Randi Arnot, VP Patricia

Gracia Jane at

NCWC Education

Fund seminar with

guest speakers on

Niagara Poverty

Reduction Network

HOSPITALITY AT THE 2018 NCWC AGM & CONFERENCE

that assist in overcoming barriers and promote self-sufficiency. A keynote presentation I delivered at the AGM on our Common Program for 2017-2019, Eliminating Poverty Through Life Skills Education and Women’s Empowerment, is available on our Website. The question is, can we afford not to include Life Skills Education for boys and girls from an early age in our educational system?

In 2019, we will be selecting a new Board. Denise Mattok and Carol Schweitzer have agreed to Co-Chair the Nominating Committee. We are most appreciative of their continued devotion to the NCWC.

Council presidents from across Canada joined me at breakfast for a lively, enlightening exchange of ideas and experiences. Next year I look forward to seeing you and all our members in Winnipeg.

The Council of Women of Winnipeg, along with the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, look forward to celebrating their 100th Anniversary in 2019. At this time they will host the NCWC’s 126th AGM and Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba from June 14-16, 2019. Plan early to attend. Bonnie Siemens, the AGM and Conference Chair, promises another informative, inspirational conference with extra interesting events.

Sandra Cohen-Rose, President, NCWC

HOSPITALITY AT THE 2018 NCWC AGM & CONFERENCE

The Niagara District Council of Women made it their goal to ensure that all delegates to this AGM experienced the bounty and beauty of Niagara.

The Opening Reception kicked off the AGM in style with beautiful harp music played softly in the background by local musician, Ann Marie Regehr. Opening welcomes were delivered by three presidents: Gracia Janes, President of the Niagara District Council of Women; Dan Patterson, President of Niagara College, site of our AGM; and Sandra Cohen-Rose, President of the National Council of Women of Canada.

Gracia Janes recognized the traditional First Nations Territories and introduced the Butterfly Spirit Drummers. This group of First Nations women created a powerful welcome for everyone as they filled the room with their vibrant singing and drumming. Delegates were also welcomed to Niagara by Pat Darte, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake; Bill Hodgson, Niagara Regional Councillor; and Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.

Our Celebratory Banquet was held on Friday

evening at the beautiful award-winning Benchmark Restaurant, which features food, wine and beer created by students at Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. Guests were treated to a glass of Niagara wine while harpist Ann Marie Regehr created a beautiful atmosphere with her music.

Along with fresh baked bread and whipped honey butter, we started with a choice of roasted beet salad or puree of parsnip soup. Our main entrée came with a choice of peppercorn steak, crispy tempura fried tofu or butter poached Fogo Island cod – each with a unique accompaniment of sauces, a starch and a special local vegetable dish. Dessert consisted of a beautiful black and white crème brûlée served with coffee or tea and a slice of our delicious anniversary cake, a specially prepared citrus chiffon cake with passion fruit filling decorated with edible flowers.

Our guest speaker for the Banquet, Elizabeth Zimmermann, CEO of the Niagara YWCA, shared her knowledge and experience as she talked about the challenges of supporting the social and economic needs of women in Niagara.

On Saturday evening, we headed out to the Conference Centre on a big yellow school bus for a wine, walk and dinner tour in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our first stop was Southbrook Vineyards where we enjoyed a guided tasting experience, sampling four different wines paired with delicious bites to eat.

A short bus ride into town and then we set out walking, with our first stop at Gracia Jane’s amazing English garden.

We strolled through shops on Queen Street as we headed to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club for dinner. The view of Lake Ontario from the club restaurant is fabulous. A very relaxing time was enjoyed by all.

Hosting the National Council of Women of Canada here in Niagara was a rewarding experience, and we truly enjoyed sharing the bounty of Niagara with so many remarkable women from across Canada!

Ann Porter Bonilla, Communications, NDCW

CONGRATULATIONS SHEILA!

Sheila M. Dey Pepper, NCWC VP for Health, Social

Development, Seniors & Youth and member of Ottawa

Council and Vancouver Councils, is the Nominee as

Child and Family Advisor for the International Council of

Women (ICW) Standing Committee on Social Issues.

Sheila will attend the 35th ICW General Assembly in

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from September 12-19, 2018. 3

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HOSPITALITY AT THE 2018 NCWC AGM & CONFERENCE

Mary Potter’s Table Rosemary Mallory, Randi Arnot, Jaspal Dhillon Gill Edeltraud Neal, PCWO, table

Southbrook Vineyard wine tasting

Niagara on-the-Lake Golf Club sunset on Lake Ontario

Gracia Jane’s English Garden

Laura Donatelli, Mr. Pepper, Sheila Pepper, Mary Potter, Sheila Perry,

Colin Rose, President Sandra Cohen-Rose and Ann Porter Bonilla

Barbara Hall’s table

B-F: Gracia Janes, Patricia Leson, Ruth Robinson, Elizabeth

Zimmerman Ed Leson and Bob Janes

NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018

NCWC RESOLUTION PROCESS

The Resolution Process is important for NCWC. There are dates to be aware of for submission. Early in January, the package of resolutions is mailed to all Local and Provincials Councils and National Affiliates.

Proposed resolutions may be submitted by any federated organization, by the Board or by any NCWC Convener and Individual member who wish to submit a resolution must do so through a Federated organization, the Board or an NCWC Convener. Proposed amendments are submitted to the Resolutions Convener in preparation for the AGM held in early June. All members of Council have an opportunity to propose, review, amend and vote on resolutions. A resolution that is passed at the AGM becomes an NCWC Policy. This is described on the NCWC Website under Communications/Policy/Resolution Process.

In addition, there are rules to adhere to in order to propose NCWC resolutions. These Rules for Proposal of NCWC Resolutions are also posted on our website under this section.

A SEA OF COLOURED PADDLES: WEIGHTED VOTING AT THE NCWC AGM

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) has both member organizations and individual members. The Council’s strength lies in the fact that the Nationally Organized Societies, as well as Provincial and Local Organizations, represent varied, wide and numerous groups of people that share aims and objectives with NCWC.

According to the Standing Rules, at an Annual Conference and General Meeting (AGM) or Special Meeting, the Voting Body decides all matters that come before the meeting. Only members of the Voting Body who are present, personally or by proxy, and are registered to vote shall be entitled to propose or second motions and vote. Accredited

registrants may participate in discussions. Voting results form our policies for influencing change that is beneficial to the women and children in our communities.

At a National Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at a Special Meeting or in those instances when voting is done by mail or electronic methods, the Voting Body of NCWC is:

The accredited representatives of Federated Organizations: Nationally Organized Societies (NOSs), Local Councils of Women (LCWs), Provincial Councils of Women (PCWs)

NCWC Directors

Convenors of NCWC Standing Study Administrative and Special Committees

Honorary Life Members, Emeritus Life Members, Life Members

Individual Members

Votes are weighted as follows:

• LCWs, PCWs, and NOSs – Ten (10) votes

• LOS, NCWC Study Group, NCWC Director, NCWC Convenor – Three (3) votes

• NCWC Honorary Life Member, NCWC Emeritus Life Member – Two (2) votes

• NCWC Life Member Two (2) votes

• NCWC Individual Member – One (1) vote

To assist with the complexities of the voting, NCWC has creatively assigned coloured paddles to the delegates. Different colours represent different numbers of votes. The paddles are the voting cards for the registrants and the process and weighted voting is explained to the AGM at the beginning of the first general session. Voting is by a show of paddles.

Because of the importance and value of Federated Organizations, if, during the establishment of the quorum, the total votes of the Organizations is less than 50% of the total votes present, the value of the other votes is proportionally prorated to lower the

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Paddles Up !

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NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018

NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018

A SEA OF COLOURED PADDLES: WEIGHTED VOTING AT THE NCWC AGM

total value of these votes into conformity with the regulation. This applies also at AGMs of PCWs and LCWs. As one can see, while it is good to have Individual Members on Councils, it is vitally important to have organizations. Furthermore, it is extremely important for Federated Organizations (NOSs, PCWs, LCWs, POSs, LOSs) to share their Annual Reports, attend AGMs, express their opinions and vote.

Rosemary Mallory, Credentials Convenor, NCWC

RESULTS OF RESOLUTIONS DISCUSSION AT THE NCWC AGM & CONFERENCE 2018

We had a lively discussion as usual on the resolutions at the AGM. There was one emerging issue resolution that was submitted after the deadline, so we passed a motion to suspend the rules for the date of submission for that resolution and were able to deal with it.

The resolutions were presented with the amendments suggested by the resolutions committee from those sent in by the members. The results are as follows:

1. Women and Precarious Employment/Non-Standard Work – carried as presented.

2. Citizenship Education for New Canadians – carried with amendments.

3. Citizenship for Immigrants and Refugees – carried as presented.

4. Reconciling with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples – carried with amendments.

5. The Protection of Religious Leadership and Assemblage of Persons Met for Religious, Moral, Social or Benevolent Purposes – defeated since Section 176 was put back in the Bill and Bill C-51 was close to being passed by the Government.

6. National School Food Program – sent back to the submitters to include a provincial/national collaboration component.

Update #1 – Eliminating Indian Act Discrimination – carried as presented, unanimously.

Update #2 – Female Genital Mutilation – carried as presented, unanimously.

Update #3 – Sewage Treatment/Wastewater

Facilities – carried with amendments, unanimously.

Update #4 – Long-Term Stewardship of Nuclear Waste – carried as presented.

Update #5 – Ending Administrative Segregation/Solitary Confinement in Canadian Prisons – carried with amendments.

Emerging Issue – Curbing Gang Activity and Gun Violence – carried with amendments, unanimously.

NOTE: The minutes will give the specific amendments to the resolutions.

I am now retiring as Resolutions Chair. It has been an enjoyable experience and I thank those people who have helped me on the Resolutions Committee since I became Chair in 2013 – Marjorie Windeler, Sharon Taylor, Muriel Smith, Marilyn McGonigal, Randi Gage, Petra Friedrichson and Chitra Chopra.

The new Chair is Jane Cowell from Montreal. E-mail: jane.cowell.poitras@simpatico.ca. I wish her all the best.

Mary Potter, Resolutions Committee Chair, NCWC

PROGRESS ON PAST RESOLUTIONS

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BILLS PASSED

BETWEEN JUNE 2017 AND June 2018

The following bills have been passed by the federal government between the last two NCWC Annual Meetings and are related to NCWC policy as indicated.

1. BILL C-16 An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code

STATUTES OF CANADA 2017 CHAPTER 13 Received Royal Assent June 19, 2017

SUMMARY This enactment amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. The enactment also amends the Criminal Code to extend the protection against hate propaganda set out in that Act to any section of the public that is distinguished by gender identity or expression and to clearly set out that evidence that an offence was motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on gender identity or expression constitutes an aggravating circumstance that a court must take into consideration when it imposes a sentence.

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NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018 PROGRESS ON PAST RESOLUTIONS NCWC POLICY 2004.04 Implementation of All United Nations Human Rights Conventions Ratified By Canada Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to

a. give urgency and primacy to legislation and policies that protect and promote all human rights Canada has endorsed through ratification of United Nations Human Rights Declarations and Conventions; (Convention of Political and Civil Rights, Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women and Convention on the Rights of the Child); and

b. include in that legislation and in those policies, particularly in that covering the Canadian Human Rights Commission, all of the same grounds for discrimination listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (race, colour, sex, language, religion, sexual orientation, age, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, without distinction as to political, jurisdictional or international status); and be it further.

2. Bill C-210 An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender)

STATUTES OF CANADA 2018 CHAPTER 1 Received Royal Assent Feb. 7, 2018

This enactment amends the National Anthem Act to substitute the words “of us” for the words “thy sons” in the English version of the national anthem, thus making it gender neutral.

NCWC POLICY 2005.4 Inclusive National Anthem

Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to change the words of the National Anthem to make them more inclusive by changing “native land” to cherished land, and “all thy sons” to all of us.

3. BILL C-277 An Act providing for the development of a framework on palliative care

in Canada Received Royal Assent Dec. 12. 2017

Framework on Palliative Care in Canada

Development and implementation 2 (1) The Minister of Health must, in consultation with the representatives of the provincial and territorial governments responsible for health, as well as with palliative care providers, develop a framework designed to support improved access for Canadians to palliative care — provided through hospitals, home care, long-term care facilities and residential hospices — that, among other things, (a) defines what palliative care is; (b) identifies the palliative care training and education needs of health care providers as well as other caregivers; (c) identifies measures to support palliative care providers; (d) promotes research and the collection of data on palliative care; (e) identifies measures to facilitate a consistent access to palliative care across Canada; (f) takes into consideration existing palliative care frameworks, strategies and best practices; and (g) evaluates the advisability of re-establishing the Department of Health’s Secretariat on Palliative and End-of-Life Care.

NCWC POLICY 86.5 Palliative Care Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to: 1. Recognize the need for more palliative care units/services in Canada; 2. Implement research and development of palliative care units/services to ensure consistency and excellence in professional education, training, methods and techniques; 3. Provide accurate monitoring and feedback by way of a standard of evaluation; 4. Provide funding to those community programs offering quality care to the terminally ill, and support to the grieving;

4. Bill C233 An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other

dementias Royal Assent June 22, 2017

National strategy 3 (1) The Minister or delegated officials, in cooperation with representatives of the provincial and territorial governments responsible for public health, must develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy to address all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that includes, among other things, (a) developing specific national objectives in order to improve the situation of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and decrease the burden of those diseases on Canadian society;

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NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018 PROGRESS ON PAST RESOLUTIONS

(b) encouraging greater investment in all areas of research related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and in particular the areas of biomedical and clinical research as well as research relating to health systems, health services and population health; (c) coordinating with international bodies in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia globally and building on Canada’s existing contributions in this field; (d) assisting the provinces in developing and disseminating emerging clinical diagnostic and treatment guidelines based on new research; (e) assisting the provinces in assessing and disseminating best practices for improving the quality of life of people suffering from dementia and their caregivers, including greater integration of care, chronic disease prevention and management as well as coordination of community support and care aimed at minimizing familial impacts; (f) assisting the provinces in developing and disseminating information, to health care professionals as well as to the general public, on the importance of prevention and management of and early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia; and (g) making recommendations in respect of the development of national guidelines for standards of dementia care that are founded on evidence-based best practices in care delivery and daily program-ming focused on the needs of the persons suffering from those diseases.

NCWC POLICY 2016.2 National Dementia Strategy

Resolved #2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to develop a National Dementia Strategy in conjunction with the provinces and territories and the relevant organizations to include: a. early diagnosis, treatment and prevention; b. research; c. a continuum of care to persons with dementia whether in the home, the community or in an institution; d. support for caregivers; and e. education and training for the multidisciplinary teams working with persons with dementia.

5. Bill S-5 Tobacco and Vaping Products Act Royal Assent May 23, 2018

Vaping products (3) The purpose of this Act with respect to vaping

products is to support the objectives set out in subsection (1), to prevent vaping product use from leading to the use of tobacco products by young persons and non-users of tobacco products and, in particular, (a) to protect young persons and non-users of tobacco products from inducements to use vaping products; (b) to protect the health of young persons and non-users of tobacco products from exposure to and dependence on nicotine that could result from the use of vaping products; (c) to protect the health of young persons by restricting access to vaping products; (d) to prevent the public from being deceived or misled with respect to the health hazards of using vaping products; and (e) to enhance public awareness of those hazards. NCWC POLICY 15.5 The Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes Resolved 2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to: a. ban the sale of e-cigarettes until long-term research has been conducted and informed regulations are established; b. enforce the Food and Drugs Act related to the non-compliance of retailers of e-cigarettes; c. fund research on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes; d. ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors permanently; and be it further Resolved 3 that NCWC urge its federates to lobby their respective governments to establish informed regulations to reduce the health risks related to inhaling nicotine vapors and other noxious substances via electronic cigarettes as well as establish regulations for the distribution of electronic cigarettes; and be it further

6. September 15, 2017 Notice of Modification - Prohibiting the Use of Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs) in Foods, Reference Number: [NOM/ADM-C-2017-3] NCWC POLICY 2004:06 Restricting Trans Fatty Acids in Food Resolved that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy

restricting trans fatty acids in oils and fats, including oils and fats in processed foods, to less than two (2) percent; and be it further

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NCWC RESOLUTIONS — 2018 PROGRESS ON PAST RESOLUTIONS

Resolved that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to restrict the amount of trans fatty acids in oils and fats, including oils and fats in processed foods, to less than two (2) percent.

Mary Potter, Resolutions Committee Chair, NCWC

APPROVED NCWC POLICY FOR 2018

For a full document of Policy adopted for 2018, visit the NCWC Website: Policy By Year

NCWC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION NEWS

At the 2018 NCWCDO AGM, it was announced that the Namuwongo Literacy Project (NLP) would receive $2,000 from NCWCDO. It was the only eligible project submitted for consideration.

Started by two Montreal educators in 2006, NLP’s goal is to bring literacy and numeracy to 20 children per year in the shantytown/slum of Namuwongo. It is an illegal settlement on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. As such, the government doesn’t “owe” the people any services including schooling. The teacher finds new pupils by visiting the well, the only clean water supply, during school hours. She follows the children home that are fetching water/doing the laundry/etc. to convince the parents to send them to school.

NLP meets rent-free in one classroom in Kisugu Junior School. The annual budget is $8,500 of which NCWCDO’s donation will go towards paying the $2,500 budget for the teacher who provides individualized and group instruction. The balance of the budget $6,000 is raised through the dedicated efforts of the directors and volunteers of NLP. Items included are: daily nutritious lunch and snack, all teaching material, student textbooks, workbooks, writing and art material, school uniform & gym uniform (so that children are not distinguished from other pupils who are privileged

and wear the school and gym uniform), medical insurance, all special school events and activities, and incidentals.

Children remain in the school from ages 4 to 12. Some have been sponsored to enter the regular stream and so have received primary and even secondary certification. For those not sponsored, they do achieve the goal of literacy.

NLP executive members make yearly visits at their own expense to Uganda to oversee the project which has been viable and successful for 12 years. https://www.facebook.com/TheNamuwongoProject/

Carol Schweitzer, Chair, NCWCDO ncwcdo@gmail.com

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Carol Schweitzer

NCWC EDUCATION FUND NEWS

“Shining a Light on Programmes that Help and Barriers that Hinder Women living in Poverty” A report from the front-lines as presented by our five panellists at the NCWC Education Fund program Saturday June 9th, 2018.

Niagara has wonderfully diverse and dedicated network of agencies working with and for our residents who live in poverty. As Chair of the Social Assistance Reform Network of Niagara, which has advocated for the progressive and humane welfare reforms of Judge George Thomson since our inception in 1988, I was pleased to bring together five excellent, passionate and dedicated panelists to highlight their agency programs and challenges.

Melenie Neamtz is a Program Coordinator at the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre www.folk-arts.ca providing vital settlement services to newcomers to Canada. Her work focuses on engagement and inclusion of youth

as establish a rewarding life in their new country. For instance, Melenie is active in YES Niagara (Youth plus Engagement Equals Success) and the Niagara Youth Engagement Community of Practice, and helped establish the network of Shared Learning Local Hubs in five Niagara municipalities, where front-line community service workers share ideas and best-practice information to support client success. Melenie is also Vice-Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network (NPRN) which focuses on Education, Collaboration and Advocacy www.wipeoutpoverty.ca. She meets with Provincial and Federal elected representatives to advocate for supportive housing, access to health care, affordable childcare, public transit, income security, economic development, job creation and affordable education and training. Melenie stressed that anyone could be poor due to disruptive events, e.g. job loss, family breakdown, illness, injury, trauma, personal abuse, neglect and urged us to “work to challenge inequity and injustice and take action for social change by countering 'poor bashing' comments, correcting misinformation, signing petitions and writing letters to newspapers. Nyarayi Kapisavanhu, B.Ed., BA, MA Business Administration, has been a community leader ever

since her arrival in Canada six years ago. For instance, Nyarayi founded and is the Executive Director of Tools of Empowerment for Success (TOES Niagara) http://toesniagara.ca/,

which works to empower immigrant and marginalized women through multi-lens educational workshops, programs and other support services, to promote the interests of women in all aspects of daily life, to constantly campaign and research for new ways forward and against violence and discrimination, to ensure women have a voice at the highest level within the business. Nyarayi also founded Advocating for Black Excellence Awards of Niagara (ABEAN), a Wilma Morrison scholarship fundraiser whereby proceeds are used to empower black youth to access post-secondary education in a bid to increase their employability chances. Nyarayi highlighted the barriers newcomers face, such as employment skills not being recognized and lack of Canadian job experience. The TOES network “Sisters Can” program helps through mentoring, providing character references, finding 'hidden jobs” (not advertised), job-advice in first little while of work. TOES enhances its programs greatly through the volunteer efforts of women who have come from away and lived in Niagara for a while.

A.J. Heafey the Housing Outreach worker at the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre www.nfchc.ca has worked in a variety of agencies helping homeless people for over 16 years. Rather than cite statistics regarding

the abysmal lack of housing and other services for homeless women, A.J. told an extremely moving story of a homeless woman he came across in downtown Niagara Falls, who was distraught and wandering aimlessly over a period of three days. He thought she was paranoid and at risk of self-harm, and needed psychiatric help immediately, and thus took her to the Hospital. It turned out that she’d fled an abusive husband in Toronto, had no money, had not eaten in three days, was sleep deprived and desperate to contact her daughter, whom she had to leave behind. The hospital helped to get her stabilized and AJ worked with her to find shelter, get a bus pass, start building life skills and work towards getting a job so she can move her daughter (who was not at risk from husband) to Niagara. AJ’s message was clear that women are at risk in many ways and one needs to look more closely at the circumstances they are in before judging them. 11

Gracia Janes

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NCWC EDUCATION FUND “Shining a Light on Programmes that Help and Barriers that Hinder Women living in Poverty”

Susan Venditti is the founder and Executive Director of Start Me Up Niagara www.startmeupniagara.ca which works with individuals whose lives have been negatively impacted by mental health challenges, substance abuse, homelessness and

poverty to assist them overcome barriers and develop greater self-sufficiency by providing opportunities to earn income, improve health and integrate into the community. Susan has spearheaded the development of a plethora of programs, well-suited for its recently acquired building, such as a 24/7 drop in centre; a community garden program with food preparation on-site; start-up loans for micro-businesses, e.g. “Dogs Wear Scarves” (with pet’s name on them- a sell –out) and “Bike Me Up”, (a bike retrofit and sale); a newsletter; art programs and shows; and a work-action centre to start up soon. Susan stressed that poverty destroys people as its huge stress creates a chemical reaction in the brain, reduces ability to learn, impacts motivation and mobility, and encourages social exclusion. She wishes to “paint a different picture”, and urges people to accept the fact that “everyone has something to offer society and should be assured they are part of it.”

Elisabeth Zimmermann, who spoke at NCWC’s Friday banquet, and on Saturday’s Panel, is the Executive Director of the YWCA Niagara Region www.ywcaniagararegion.ca The YWCA provides shelter,

food and assistance to homeless women and their children through skills development programming, advocacy and support to help them transition from emergency shelters to transitional housing and then permanent housing programs. Elizabeth stressed the human costs of poverty and raised some important questions: Can Niagara afford to deal with poverty and how can we not afford to? According to a Brock Observatory study a few years ago, the cost of poverty in Niagara was

$1.35 billion annually. Elizabeth noted that Niagara’s housing crisis is a huge challenge for women and children living in poverty and the YWCA’s five emergency, 17 transitional spaces and 65 apartment units are seeing 110% occupancy levels. On a positive note, Elizabeth spoke of the “powerful network of service providers and advocates for marginalized people in Niagara” and of the recent formation of a cross-agency emergency response team to deal with sexual exploitation. Elizabeth advocated strongly for more affordable housing, better job and decent Social assistance rates, but worried that the new Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, has no clear platform, but could well be planning to make cuts to programmes in social services. (Editor’s note: they have, with a cancellation of the Basic Income Guarantee Pilot Program and the promised 2% increase in social Assistance rates.)

Gracia Janes, President, NCWC Educational Fund, gracia.janes@bellnet.ca

BRING AND BUY!

Each year, the NCWC has a ‘Bring and Buy’ table that features donated mementoes from attendees. We had books, jewelry, hand crafted articles – you name it; we had it! One of our very special items, and a top seller, was the generous donation from the Niagara College of two nights accommodation at any of the Canada wide residences associated with them. Thank you to everyone who donated items and to those of you who purchased them! A special thanks goes to our masterful auctioneer, Gracia Janes for her gentle cajoling and wheedling - the NCWC bank balance increased by a whopping $900!

Patricia Leson, VP, Public Relations

NCWC FACEBOOK

VISIT and READ all about matters that concern the National Council of Women https://www.facebook.com/thencwc/ LIKE NCWC Facebook and invite your friends to like us too. Add your comments to the conversation, exchange ideas. We’d love to hear from you. Any member/affiliate who would like to have an item posted to our Facebook Page should send the item or link to: Karen Monnon Dempsey, Facebook Editor monnondempsey@outlook.com

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Karen Dempsey

We are thrilled to announce that

the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba in conjunction with the Council of Women of Winnipeg are hosting the 2019 126th NCWC Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba from June 14 – 16 inclusive, with a Celebrating Women reception in the evening of Thursday June 13.

This will be the 125th Anniversary of the Councils of Women of Manitoba, as well as the 100th Anniversary of the infamous Winnipeg General Strike in 1919. We heartily invite you to join us for the weekend, and be prepared for some interesting entertainment and activities as we

celebrate many milestones in our city and province’s history. The hotel is booked, the accommodations set and a great tour to the Canadian Museum of Human Rights (CMHR) right in the heart of Winnipeg is underway. The CMHR is located at “The Forks” which at the historic junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and has a myriad of shops and kiosks, with a walkway along the river or enjoy the outdoors on a water taxi tour of the rivers. Your accommodations will be at The Viscount Gort Hotel, which is located an easy walking distance from some popular restaurants including the Olive Garden and Red Lobster and is only a few blocks from one of our major shopping centres, Polo Park, where there are shops and restaurants galore. The hotel also boasts a great restaurant or bar if you do not feel like venturing out. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, so you can get here early and stay late and enjoy our fine city, shop, or relax by the pool. More information will be available in your registration package which you will receive in due course. If you do have any questions, please contact Bonnie Siemens at events@pcwmanitoba.ca. See you there!!! Bonnie Siemans, Events, PCWM

The NCWC is one of the oldest advocacy organizations in Canada. During this time, we have had the pleasure and the privilege of working as a team with many women who led by example, women of courage and conviction, women who dared to make a difference. This past year we were saddened to learn of the deaths of some of these remarkable women. Edeltraud Neal hosted the ‘In Memoriam’ portion of our AGM with reverence and dignity. She invited current members to share their personal stories of these women and the impacts they had on growing our organization as they worked tirelessly to improve societal conditions for women and children. There was laughter, and there were tears as we fondly reminisced of our times together. British Columbia

Margaret Gall

Nova Scotia: Phyllis Gunn

Ontario: Margaret MacGee Thelma McGillivary

Quebec: Elspeth Angus Sophie Economides Marilynn St. Onge Rosslyn Tetley Barbara Whitley

Saskatchewan: Nina Bigsby Jean Walters

We owe each of these women a debt of sincere gratitude. We shall honour them by continuing the work they started as we press onward in our quest to strengthen and enhance women’s roles in society. Patricia Leson, VP, Public Relations, NCWC

HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR NCWC PROJECTS

MAKE DONATIONS TO THE NCWC

EDUCATION FUND AND THE NCWC

DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

Visit the Charitable Organizations on the NCWC

Website to find out how you can help raise funds

for our projects through donations.

Best gift that you could ever give!

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2019 AGM

Bonnie Siemens

IN MEMORIAM

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NCWC WEBSITE

READ over 50 years of NCWC Policy from 1967-2018, Visit our

Communications section and explore: All Policy - Listed by Year;

Policy Listed Alphabetically; Policy Annual Index; Resolution Process

Do you know that the NCWC website is a large data base of nearly a thousand documents by our Presidents and Board members since 1967? Look for Letters to the Governments and the Public, Briefs, Articles, Flashfacts, Recent and Archived Newsletters, Presentations, Press Releases, Reports, Statements, etc.

Read the latest news about NCWC (e.g. Letters to the Government, Briefs, Articles) and learn about what the NCWC is doing. Read Greetings from the President and letters to the Federal Government Correspondence to the Government of Canada.

Other topics to explore on WOMEN are under the TOP MENU item called Women’s News.

Send me feedback on how you find using the NCWC website: editornewsletter@ncwcanada.com

Beverley Colquhoun, Convenor for Website and Newsletter, NCWC

HELP US Distribute the NCWC Newsletter

The NCWC continues to work on improving communications and for this we require your help to distribute to other members. Much work is put into preparing NCWC Newsletters. They are sent to the Presidents of Councils and Federates and individual members. Newsletters should reach all members. NCWC Newsletters are also posted on Facebook and our Website.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK The Editorial Board and I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions about the newsletter. Email: editornewsletter@ncwcanada.com Thanks!

Beverley Colquhoun, Editor, NCWC Newsletter Editorial Board: Patricia Leson, Carol Schweitzer, Rosemary Mallory

DATES OF NEWSLETTERS: Distribution (submission) dates: November 1 (Oct 15); March 1 (Feb 15); May 1 (Apr 15)

NATIONAL COUNCIL

OF WOMEN OF CANADA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-19

PRESIDENT Sandra Cohen-Rose

PAST PRESIDENT Karen M. Dempsey

VICE PRESIDENTS

Randi Arnot

Barbara Hall

Gracia Janes

Patricia Leson, 1st VP

Jeannette Logan

Sheila Pepper

TREASURER Ann Lavasseur

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed by the

contributors are their own and do not

necessarily reflect or represent views

of the National Council of Women of

Canada, its members or federates.

National Council of Women

of Canada

P.O. Box 67099, Ottawa, ON

Canada K2A 4E4

Telephone: 1-613-712-4419 Email: presncwc@gmail.com

NCWC WEBSITE www.ncwcanada.com NCWC FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/thencwc

EDITOR & WEBSITE CONVENOR

Beverley Colquhoun

editornewsletter@ncwcanada.com

websiteconvenor@ncwcanada.com

REMINDER—SUBMISSION DEADLINE

EMAIL YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEWS, ARTICLES & PHOTOS

To The Editor: editornewsletter@ncwcanada.com

Submission date for the next issue of NCWC newsletter

October 15, 2018

FORMAT: WORD, Rich Text, Arial 11 pt, 500 WORD MAXIMUM

The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all material submitted

Submit articles about issues that concern your organization,

your special events, your members, your celebrations, and

include some photos. Ask your Federates to participate.

NCWC’s 125th Anniversary

1893-2018

Celebrating 125 years of working to improve the quality of

life for Canadian women, their families and communities.

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