newsletter

Fall 2008 Volume 7 Issue 2

were not allowed to make eye contact with men, were not allowed to speak unless spoken to, could be beaten for laughing in public, could lose a finger for wearing nail polish; cosmetics, jewellery, and “charming” clothes were forbidden. Girls were forbidden to attend school, women forbidden from working. Adultery was punished by being stoned to death. No one could sing, dance, play cards or

In This Issue

President’s Message ............................................1

From Your Editor ................................................3

News From Vice Presidents ..............................4

News From Local Councils .................................5

Bits & Bytes ..........................................................7

AGM 2008 ..............................................................8

News from Provincial Councils .......................10

NCWCDO .............................................................12

Polygamy in Canada ..........................................14

Person’s Case Awards ......................................16

continued on page 2

Kandahar:In September 29th edition of The Chronicle-

Herald (Halifax), I saw an article titled, “Taliban kill trailblazing cop.” The “cop” was Lt. Col. Malalai Kakar, Kandahar’s first female police detective and she had been assassinated by the Taliban. The same attack also seriously injured her 18-year-old son who had been driving her to work. For many years after the Taliban had taken power, she had lived in exile in Pakistan, eventually moving back to resume her career when they were ousted from power.

This tragedy has been much on my mind, so it seemed rather serendipitous when I came across a novel a couple of days later written by Khaled Hosseini entitled A Thousand Splendid Suns, which was published in 2007 and has since become an international bestseller. (He also wrote the acclaimed The Kite Runner.) The book’s cover jacket describes it as “a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last thirty years – from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding – that puts the violence, fear, hope, and faith of this country in intimate, human terms.”

For me, more than all the news reports I have seen and read, this book put into clear focus the life the women of Afghanistan have endured the past three decades. I started to read and couldn’t put it down. Through the lives of Mariam and Laila, we see events unfold, and we see most vividly how powerless women can be. This is what scared me most – but it also made me want to visit that part of the world more than ever. When the Taliban took power, a list of rules was issued which had to be followed by men and women. Women were not allowed out unless accompanied by a male relative and wearing a burqa,

Karen Dempsey

Message From the PresidentKaren Dempsey

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chess, gamble, fly a kite, write books, watch films, paint pictures, etc.

Today, Taliban insurgents continue to attack and frequently target enterprises run by women. Our Canadian ambassador in Afghanistan, Ron Hoffman, said that Lt. Col. Kakar “was well known for her staunch support of women in the Afghan National Police, and of the role of women in Kandahar society at large ….. she was a beacon of hope for women in democratic and free Afghanistan.”

Halifax:On October 26, 2008, the Local Council of Women

of Halifax hosted a High Tea in honour of visiting Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) who were in Halifax to observe the Campaign School put on annually by the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. The event was held in our lovely Edwardian Council House, and the group was very interested to hear its history. Local businessman George Wright had had several houses built in Halifax but he had this one on Young Avenue built in 1904 and lived in it until his death. Mr. Wright was very impressed with the work of LCW Halifax (founded in 1894) and since he did not have a family, decided to make a will leaving this property to us. He shortly thereafter left for England where he embarked on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Unfortunately, Mr. Wright was one of the many who perished in 1912 when the ship sank, and LCW Halifax has owned this house ever since. Indeed we are the only Council to have its own house and we treasure this legacy.

I was pleased to welcome the group not only as President of the Local Council but also as President of the National Council as our guests were from various parts of Canada. I took the opportunity to speak to the history of NCWC as well as issues on which we are currently working. Everyone applauded loudly when I stated that on October 27th, 1893, exactly 115 years to the day as of tomorrow, the indomitable Lady Ishbel Aberdeen held a public meeting in Toronto when over 1,500 women joined forces to form the National Council of Women of Canada. As you all know, the Government of Canada in the 1990s recognized us as having national historic significance, and in 2005,

President’s Message continued from page 1 Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada formally unveiled a plaque to this effect in Allan Park in Toronto, site of that first NCWC meeting.

Ms. Myrna Driedger, MLA from Manitoba and Vice Chair of CWP Canada Region, also spoke to our members as did Ms. Brigitte Neumann from the Nova Scotia Advisory Council. The Hon. Maria Minna, Chair of CWP Canada Region was regrettably unable to come to Halifax. Ms. Leanne Rowat was the other MLA from Manitoba and Ms. Judy Junor, MLA, and Ms. Laura Ross, MLA, attended from Saskatchewan. Of course Laura is no stranger to Council having been President of the Regina Council of Women when we held our very successful AGM there a couple of years ago, and she received a round of applause from the group when I told them she was “one of our own.” From Québec, we welcomed Ms. Charlotte L’Écuyer, MNA. Accompanying the group was the visit coordinator from International and Interparliamentary Affairs, Ottawa, Ms. Stephanie Bond.

The Campaign School encourages women to become involved in politics and gives them the tools to help them to achieve their political goals. NCWC has always encouraged women to become involved in politics as well. As I stated in my last column, we know that women are their own best agents of change. It was a pleasure for all of us to meet and talk with these women from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec who hold seats in their provincial legislatures.

Ottawa:The federal election is over and a record number of

women have been elected to the House of Commons. However, it is still not nearly enough. Canada had been ranked 51st internationally for female representation in parliaments and that won’t change much even though we now have 68, up from 66. Twenty-seven per cent of all candidates running were female; the Liberals ran 37%; the NDP, 34%; the Bloc, 28%, the Green, 29%; and the Conservatives, 20%. At this time, we do not yet know the make-up of the Cabinet, so we wait to see how many women will get ministerial positions.

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From Your EditorGreetings to all members and friends

of NCWC, and many thanks to all those who have sent in articles and suggestions for our Newsletter. It is always interesting to hear what is going on in different parts of the country – please continue to keep us informed. It was good to meet many of you at the AGM in Ottawa this summer – those who were not able to be present can get a feel of the meeting and what was discussed from several items in this issue of the Newsletter.

A highlight of the AGM in Ottawa was the introduction of the NCWC & NCWC Education Fund « Water / Energy Connections Project 2008-2010 », which follows on the Common Programme on Water, in which we have been engaged for the past two years. NCWC V-P Gracia Janes, who is President of the NCWC Education Fund, has a brief introduction to this project in this issue and we look forward to reading the first edition of « The Conserver » which will be arriving shortly, together with a survey which we are all encouraged to fill in and return to Gracia.

In the May issue of the Newsletter we had an article on Human Trafficking - at their October meeting Montreal CW heard from Maître Eugene Czolij, President of the World Ukrainian Congress, about the disturbing increase in the trafficking of women and children. He urged governments and NGOs to work together to combat this terrible trade and he recommended the use of a new UN Toolkit to help educate ourselves and

others to fight trafficking. Here is the link to the Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime:

http://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/HT_Toolkit08_English.pdf

Another UN initiative which we could do well to support is the Millenium Development Goals, set out in 2000 in the hope that they would be achieved by 2015. They are :

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development

Half way through the time proposed how far have we got?

Congratulations to Past President Margaret MacGee for receiving the Human Rights in Action Award from the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies. She was NCWC President when I first attended an NCWC AGM and it has been a great honour and a pleasure to work with her over the years.

Congratulations also to this year’s winners of the Persons’ Awards.

Please remember to send in your news for the next issue by March 17, 2009 – we look forward to hearing from you.

Election Fever – an economic perspectiveBy Muriel Smith, V-P Economics

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News From Vice Presidents

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the National Council of Women of Canada, its members or federates.

Editor Elizabeth Hutchinson

Editorial Consultant Cathy Tillsley

Publisher and Printer Bonanza Printing & Copying Centre Inc.

Articles may be emailed to the Editor at editor@ncwc.ca

Deadline for submission for next issue: March 17th, 2009

Election Fever is spreading across the land! Will it be another false alarm, or this time are we into a full-blown election within days? (written on August 27, 2008)

If an election does materialize, what will be NCWC’s response? I think our first move can be to clarify the Coalition for Equality positions and support every one we can. The next step would be to comb through our policies to identify NCWC’s priorities.

From my standpoint as VP Economics, I would like to suggest questions on tax policy and how it affects too many women negatively might be a start. Once again, in the name of economic efficiency and concern for the taxpayer, the Harper Government has systematically ignored the impact of tax measures along with program cutbacks on the majority of women, particularly those least able to cope. Add the effects of regressive equalization terms, and it is clear Canada is becoming a country where the Prosperity Gap is being allowed to escalate, making us an outcast among industrialized states.

The ongoing and still major issues remain a nationally funded program for early learning and child care on a non-profit basis, federal funding for affordable housing, a proactive approach to environmental protection, restoration of Status of Women Canada’s ability to fund research and advocacy, reform of the Employment Insurance System so women can qualify and receive adequate compensation, and recognition of women’s right to pay equity and enforcement of that right. It is also prime time for a review of the total pension system, particularly as it affects women.

Another field in which NCWC has been silent in the last few years is the profound impacts on women, who are among the world’s least well off here and abroad, of the globalizing economy and “free” trade regimes – “Free for whom?” we might ask.

How do we raise these issues to the level they deserve? One means is to work to elect more women in all parties who are already knowledgeable about the issues. Another is to take the time with candidates to sensitize them to the concerns, and to find out where they stand on our issues. Another means is to hold public forums where all candidates in an area are confronted with the same questions on the above issues, with the results being tabulated and shared more widely. That way, more citizens can make informed choices on voting day.

The sad thing about all the issues raised above is that most of them could have been raised equally loudly at previous elections. Now is not the time for women to cede the political platform territory to well meaning but unaware candidates, be they men or women. Now is the time for NCWC members to speak out!

of the globalizing economy and “free” trade aregimes – “Free for whom?”

we might ask.

News From Local CouncilsTea To Honour Alison Hardy, August 20, 2008By Mary MacLarens

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The tea was held at the Billings Estate Museum from 2-3.30 p.m. OCW President Beverlee McIntosh welcomed all present and explained in some detail about the website; the direction of our program for the year. Carol Dunn brought regrets from May Nickson, as she was unable to attend. Carol also brought tomatoes from her garden to share with non-gardeners.

A guest of the afternoon was Mr. Kenneth Pepper, happily celebrating his birthday. He was one of our group who went on the Billings House Tour at the end of the tea.

Maria Neil shared a number of recollections of Alison Hardy. The main tribute was read from the history assembled by Ruth Brown for the Centennials of NCWC in 1993, and OCW in 1994. Alison, daughter of American parents, was born in Ottawa, grew up in the Glebe, and lived in the same house (182 Second Ave.) all her life. Her public spirit followed that of her mother, Mrs. Edgar Hardy, who was NCWC President 1941-46, and a serious supporter of the NCWC Foundation Fund. The establishment of the Alison Hardy Bursary, given annually at Carleton University to a student in the Journalism Program, was made possible by Alison’s generosity. She bequeathed her estate to the NCWC and to Ottawa’s Local Council.

The gathering today was pleasant; the Afternoon Tea was delicious; the sun shone; and we left looking forward to the next Leap-Year-Recognition of a truly fine member and friend of the Ottawa Council of the NCWC.

We are indebted to Diane Hoskins for the arrangements of today’s event – thank you, Diane. OCW Members celebrate Alison Hardy

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Muslim Women in Montreal at the Montreal Council of WomenBased on a report by Fehmida Kha

At the May AGM of MCW the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Montreal was the “Hostess Group” which involved providing a ‘light lunch’ for 60 people and introducing the organization. Reflecting the theme “Celebrating One Faith & Diverse Cultures” food from Bangladesh, Croatia, Canada, India, Middle East, Pakistan, Seychelles, Trinidad and Zanzibar (Tanzania) was prepared by individuals representing their country of origin.

Fehmida Khan, President of CCMW, Montreal emphasized that the CCMW as well as the Muslim Women of Québec (MWQ) are “unique as organizations because they were started by and for women, and are not auxiliaries of Mosques or established religious Institutions.” This format has tremendous appeal to the culturally diverse Muslim community, she explained, and “that same diversity meant that Muslim communities in Canada did not settle in ghettos. Mosques and universities were the gathering places for our culturally varied members” Muslim women volunteers helped to set up social service assistance within the framework of Canadian society by coordinating with CLSC’s (local health clinics), Women’s Shelters, Batshaw Youth Protection and Foster Parenting agencies. An on-going program of Ramadan food baskets was initiated whereby families could comfortably prepare food according to their cultural background and have family meals. Working with existing public institutions and social services meant better understanding of Muslim community needs and an opportunity for the Muslim community to know how the system works. This established the fact that we were tax-payers and secondly the importance of integrating/using existing social services for all communities. Women in the community were also exposed to the education and career opportunities that are available.

We then heard some very varied and interesting stories from the women present who represented such a wide spectrum of countries around the world. They were also all anxious to help us learn about the life and interests of Muslim women.

Natasha – a Quebec-born Canadian of Croatian and Bosnian descent spoke of her life as a Muslim woman raising young children, making documentary films and actively resisting the impact of negative portrayal of Muslim families.

Afroz - said that her first Canadian City was Edmonton, where she settled to complete a Masters degree at the University of Alberta. This set the way for her and her husband, an engineering graduate student, to establish themselves in Canada. Moving to Montreal, working as

an educator, raising a family where the daughter has moved back to Hyderabad in India to run an advertising agency, Afroz is actively involved with the Literacy Program at the YWCA downtown. Coming from Hyderabad she said the “cultural shock was easy to handle but not the weather shock”

Neyyar – spoke of hailing from Lucknow, India, and living in Bangladesh, Pakistan & Paris, France. After coming to Montreal in 1975 she raised a family of 3 boys who are now all settled as a doctor, an engineer & a financial analyst, and one girl who is in New York studying Medicine. Working as a Realtor Neyyar said life has been hectic and she has aspired to pass the message to her family that one can keep their faith & identity and still be Canadian. Neyyar commented “that the vast majority of Canadians have little knowledge of the Muslim community and an opportunity such as this meeting gives a chance to dispel the misconceptions.”

Jinane – originally from Syria came to Montreal as a city of her choice in 1992. Though an Arabic, French and English speaking archaeologist she was unable to pursue a career in her field. Jinane juggled time as a wife and mother to re-cycle her qualifications as a musicologist. She is currently working as a volunteer educator in the “Zoo Ecomuseum” on the West Island of Montreal.

Ingee – spoke of her involvement with the Muslim Community which she found inspiriting as well as having to work hard towards dispelling misconceptions and injustices towards the Community.

Samara - came from Trinidad to Montreal in 1968 and stayed there raise a family of two boys and two girls whom she is still enjoying together with the grand children. Samara drew some of the women to reminisce when she said “if you ladies gave birth at the Royal Victoria Hospital in the 70’s and 80’s I might have been around nursing you”. Samara also spoke about her work as a member of the Board at the Muslim Community of Quebec Mosque in Montreal. She finds this on-going volunteer work most fulfilling.

Salma – spoke of being educated in a Catholic School in Zanzibar, Tanzania but still maintaining her Muslim religious education at home. Being a girl she was not expected to go to religious classes as the boys did. Her Master in linguistics at UCLA, Los Angeles and her meeting her husband inspired her move to Montreal in 1974 where she has raised a family of sons and a daughter who just got admitted to a law school in LA. Salma said she visits Dar es Salaam, Tanzania every year and feels just at home both in Dar es Salaam and Montreal. Salma referred to her work

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with CIDA and Immigration Canada and her volunteer services within the Muslim Community, especially with the Muslim Community of Quebec Mosque in NDG where she lives, the YMCA international projects in Africa and the Multi-Cultural Community Centre in NDG.

Nusrat – spoke of her career as a Teacher at Elementary School and her exciting and most necessary work with the students and in other venues in creating projects for the Environment. By dint of diligent and persistent hard work Nusrat and her team were able to bring about and enforce changes to the laws against pollution caused by idling school buses and cars. Nusrat said “As a result of our work on anti-idling in our community, our project has been selected for the United Nations International Children’s Conference taking place in Stavanger, Norway, June 17th - 21st 2008”. Despite all the work involved in tackling the problem Nusrat felt a sense of urgency due to the fast deterioration of the environment. She also mentioned how much juggling of time and effort it took to learn to adjust to family life, raising two boys – one in University and one in high school – as well as career and community involvement.

Farida – introduced herself as from the beautiful shores of Seychelles where she was born and lived. She moved to Montreal with her Québecois husband in l985 and pursued her career in Medical Research and working towards her PhD. In Montreal, Farida enjoyed the familiar bilingual cultural milieu. Finding time is a premium factor, in her life as a working woman, a mother of an 11 year old, a volunteer working with various social justice organizations and her work with the Muslim community as the President of the Muslim Women of Quebec. Farida also spoke of the seminar on Muslim Family Law and Canadian family law held in Montreal in March 2008 and the necessity of dispelling false representations of Islam.

Members of other Federated Societies present as well as MCW members met and established contacts with the women who spoke - we much appreciated to opportunity to talk to them and to enjoy the delicious food they provided from their varied heritage.

As one of the members of MCW said this meeting showed the true meaning of the announced aim of the AGM - “To end the year in friendship and sharing.”

I recently came across this excellent article from the Department of Public Information at the United Nations. There are many of us now working on web sites at the local and provincial level and maybe this might help with your work

Write conciselyThe more concisely and succinctly you write the

more information users will get from the site. Cut in half the amount of words you would use for print to make written web content more digestible. Avoid complex sentence structures. Don’t make readers struggle to find pertinent information. Explicitly state what something is and explicitly state what something does. Since web users scan text, it is critical to make your most important points without losing visitors in an ocean of alphabet soup.

Format lists to focus attention on specific content, bulleted, numbered and unnumbered. Lists make the reader scan slower and pause to skim the content more carefully. The white space surrounding lists makes the content stand out on the page.

Use the inverted pyramid writing styleThe inverted pyramid style places the conclusion

or major facts of your text in the first few sentences

or first paragraph. It gives the most important information up front and the user can decide whether or not to continue reading based on interest.

Use descriptive headingsAvoid long blocks of scrolling text and try to use

descriptive headings and subheadings to break it up on the page. Teasers or summaries can reside on one page with links to subsequent pages of the document. Be sure that each document has a main heading in bold so the user always knows what document they are reading regardless of which page they are on in the site. Headings can have colored backgrounds for visual emphasis.

Graphics and PicturesAlways use graphics and pictures that enhance the

message that you are trying to convey.

Write informally and Avoid JargonLanguage specific to National Council can be

difficult to decipher for people outside of National Council. Also the culture of abbreviations can lead to unclear text. Before using an abbreviation, be sure that it is spelled out when it is first mentioned.

Edit Your WritingFind a colleague and have them read through your

work. Make sure that they can follow your meaning. The reader will be distracted by grammatical errors and confusing wording.

Help build a better world for all – by making it a better world for girls and women!

Bits and BytesGuidelines For Writing For The WebBy V-P Mary Scott

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By Joan Meadows, Education Convener, MCW

The 115th Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) was held from May 30th to June 1st in Ottawa, Ontario. As a new member of the Montreal Council of Women, I had never attended a National AGM and was very much looking forward to the opportunity to attend this one. I had no expectations other than to come away from the meetings more knowledgeable than when I went into them. I was not disappointed.

The Council’s common programme for this and next year is ‘Energy’. On the first day of meetings a panel made up of four experts on the subject made a presentation entitled Water/Energy/Connections. This information and the opinions expressed were fascinating and at the same time raised concerns. Some of the issues raised by speakers are as follows :

Gordon Edwards, Chairman of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, discussed the potential and actual impact of nuclear power generation on bodies of water.

Tony Mass, Senior Fresh Water Policy Advisor, World Wildlife Fund – Canada, stated that there are « tough questions and no easy answers » when considering energy sources, the amount of energy we use and its effect on the sustainability of fresh water resources.

John Jackson, Director of Clean Production for Great Lakes United, also talked about the impact of energy use on water and the need for government policies that simultaneously look at energy and water use.

Ralph Pentland, Acting Chairman for the Canadian Water Issues Council and member of the Forum for Leadership on Water, discussed the interrelatedness of energy and water. He explained that if, on our finite planet, these resources decline due to misuse, « our quality of life will not necessarily decline, but we will clearly have to redefine the meaning of success and progress. »

With the current world wide public interest on this topic this panel was well received.

Throughout the weekend Resolutions, Updates and Emerging Issues were discussed and voted on. I was extremely impressed by the thoughtful comments and scope of knowledge demonstrated by Council members as issues were debated. Karen Dempsey, the current president, acknowledged that in spite of debate, we all leave as friends. This was evident as women from across the country mingled about the room discussing their views and opinions on the topics.

Together we stand, divided we fall. At the AGM I sensed

the strength and power that women hold when organized

at a National level. Unsettling is the fact that the financial situation facing NCWC puts it in jeopardy of having to shut

down operations within a few years. The Board of Directors will be pursuing a plan to improve the financial health of the organization. As Karen Dempsey stated « We are outstanding. We need to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves. »

The MCW had a good representation at the meetings with 11 of its members present. Unfortunately some major areas of the country were not represented.

The 2009 NCWC AGM will be held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Try to be there! It’s exhausting ans stimulating at the same time.

NCWC AGM 2008

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Report by Elizabeth Hutchinson to CPFQ-PCWQ

A delegation of 11 members of CPFQ-PCWQ & MCW attended the 115th Annual General Meeting of NCWC in Ottawa this summer and ably represented both Councils. It had been decided to subsidize several members to go as observers – an opportunity which was much appreciated. This year the AGM was hosted by the National Office and many thanks go to Executive Director Cathy Tillsley as well as to the members of Ottawa CW who supported her efforts.

This year’s theme was «Water/Energy Connections» and it was highlighted at a free public meeting held on the Friday afternoon, which launched the NCWC Common Programme for 2008-2010. Like the panel in Regina last year which wrapped up our previous Common Programme on «Canada’s Water» this new project was funded by the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation. It is sponsored by the NCWC Education Fund. The speakers in Ottawa this year were Ralph Pentland, primary author of Canada’s 1987 Water Policy, Tony Maas, senior Fresh Water Policy Advisor at the World Wildlife Fund in Canada, John Jackson, Director of Clean Production, Great Lakes United, and Gordon Edwards, President of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility. All the presentations were very thought-provoking and will take a lot of digesting – hopefully the texts will be up soon on the NCWC website. Meanwhile NCWC is inviting local and provincial councils to hold programmes (open to the public) to explore a wide variety of local water & energy related issues – funding is available to help cover rentals, honoraria etc and suggestions for speakers will also be available. PCWQ & MCW are considering joining forces to arrange such a programme in the next year or two. For further information about the Water/Energy Connections Project 2008-2010 see the What’s New section of the NCWC website at http://www.ncwc.ca/whatsNew_project.html

A vital part of the work of every AGM is the establishment of NCWC policy, which the president uses when she writes to the government on issues which are of concern to us. The resolutions which were circulated for discussion in the winter were all passed after discussion and amendment. Updates to policy on Child Poverty, Midwifery Services, Fire Safety and Nuclear Power were also passed. Some Emerging Issues were also brought forward for discussion and were passed. These included Guidelines for the use of Stun Guns, Cluster Munitions, Government discretion in awarding Tax Credits to Film & Video Productions, and the Canadian Book Exchange Centre. It is worth noting that the deadline for submitting resolution suggestions for discussion at the 2009 AGM is in early November, so it behoves us to bring forward our ideas and work on them early in the fall.

Finances of course are always a subject of serious discussion and we were urged to find creative ways to help support the important work done by NCWC. «Fund raising is not a dirty word» we were told! We were reminded that the NCWC Education Fund does have a charitable tax number, as does

the NCWC Development Organization. Both these arm’s-length groups have a service contract with the NCWC National Office to cover their office expenses, so donations made to these groups

will also help the work of the NCWC National Office. The NCWC Development Organization held its AGM at

lunch on the Saturday when we heard an extremely interesting speaker from the Public Health Agency of Canada. She had been working in the field of HIV/AIDS since the 1980s and particularly stressed the importance of prevention, and of looking at the social determinants of health. She felt that Canada falls woefully short in addressing these especially in the aboriginal context where women are markers for HIV, where TB also continues to appear and where diabetes is becoming a huge problem. If orange juice costs $40 it is much cheaper to buy a soft drink! Six applications had been made for funding and it was decided to divide the $4000 available between four of them – International Hope Canada Inc., Buy-A-Net Malarial Prevention Group in Uganda, Help us Help the Children anti-trafficking initiative in the Ukraine, and Reaching across Borders – Au delà des Frontières in Senegal.

On the Friday we attended a reception at the Senate, hosted by Senator Lucie Pépin, who is an honorary counsellor of MCW. Unfortunately she had been called away on Senate business at a committee hearing in Nova Scotia so was unable to be present. However we were ably welcomed by her assistant and spent a very pleasant evening talking to friends new and old. Meeting people from across the country is always a great feature of NCWC AGMs, and this one was no exception. The agenda was extremely full and we were kept very busy but there was always time for socializing, late at night, if not before! Next year’s AGM will be held at the end of May 2009 in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, so we will all have to save up our airmiles. However if that is not possible the AGM will be back in Ottawa in 2010 so why not consider coming to that and experiencing an AGM for yourself? The next triennial meeting of the International Council of Women will be held in South Africa in October 2009, but we are going to have to think long and hard to see if we can even afford to send our president. I hope we can as it is another vital link in our world-wide work for women.

AGM NCWC 2008

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News From Provincial CouncilsCelebrating Women 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser PCWM hosts another successful evening.

Marjorie Norris

MURDINA BROWNLEE A Registered Laboratory Technician, Murdina returned to

her home town of Winnipeg after 24 years in Montreal with her husband and sons, and was immediately recruited to fill in for the secretary of the PCWM council by Elizabeth McEwan, council President at the time. Her interest in local issues led her to the Council of Women of Winnipeg where she soon became President during their centennial year in 1994. She served as Arts and Letters Convener for NCWC and continues her council activities as a member at large on the Councils of Women Life Members Association.

DONNA MAE YEODonna Mae has a long and illustrious career both in her

professional role as a well known and respected Interior designer and in the field of municipal affairs.

She has chaired advisory, planning and executive committees, organized exhibitions, directed trade shows in her involvement with the Professional Interior Designers Institute and is recognized for her work on the Ronald McDonald House project. As a founding member of the Altrusa Club of Winnipeg she was instrumental in coordinating the TOTS (Take-Out-Toy-Service) a toy lending library for children with physical and mental disabilities. For over 30 years Donna Mae was an active force on the Assiniboine Park-Fort Garry Residents Advisory Group and in 1989 was one of the 12 founding members of W.I.N. (Winnipeg in the Nineties) – a non partisan citizens group to provide informed leadership and set new directions for municipal policy.

by Arlene Draffin Jones, Chair: Celebrating Women Gala and Fundraiser.

A wonderful evening of celebration and fellowship attended by some 150 people, at the 2nd Annual Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba Celebrating Women Gala and Fundraiser was held at Khartum Shrine House, Winnipeg on July 9, 2008. Beautiful burgundy and white table decorations with a sparkling punch fountain, set the stage for the festivities, along with music, entertainment and excellent food served by the Girl Guides. Beverley Watson from CBC One Radio Weekend Show was the delightful MC.

The evening was highlighted with the acknowledgement of the work and dedication of four individual members and two federate organizations, who are making a positive difference in their community.

The individual honorees were:

ELAINE LOUISE ADAMElaine came to the provincial council as

the representative from the Manitoba Home Economics Association, was soon elected president of PCWM and hosted the NCWC Conference in 1980 in Winnipeg. She brought focus to the issue of “Violence Towards Women” and organized 31 workshops for council members and federates with a $12,000 grant from the Secretary of State. Elaine says” Being involved in Council is a lifetime commitment”. With her university teaching, volunteer activities with LEAF, her para-legal services for an immigration family and as President of the Councils of Women Life members she continues to work on the Councils’ goal of empowering women and families.

PEGGY BARKERPeggy began her work with PCWM through her activities

with the Women’s Institute and later became the federate representative from Consumers Association Canada (MB) where she serves as the current president. Her varied career in teaching and home economics also included positions as Textile Specialist with the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation and the Western Agricultural Agri-Food Corporation. Peggy continues to serve on the PCWM Board as well as putting in many hours volunteering for her church and maintaining an active role in local theatre productions.

Honourees: Laurie Helgason (Women’s Health Clinic), Donna Mae Yeo (Individual), Peggy Barker (Individual), Maxine Balbon (president PCWM), Helen (Olena) Garrity (Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (MB Executive), Murdina Brownlee (Individual)

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Mildred Burns recipient of the Governor Generals Award

With the Councils of Women Donna Mae has shared her time and talent as President of the CWW for two terms, chair of Public Relations, Membership committees for the PCWM and for the past 8 years co-chaired the Archives Committee for both councils. She was a worthy recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Donna Mae is a member and past President of the Councils of Women Life Members Association.

Federate Honorees:UKRAINIAN WOMEN”S ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

(MB Executive) (U.W.A.C.)

Organized in Saskatoon in 1926 there are now approximately 2,500 members in 100 branches across Canada with 5 Provincial Executives. The MB Executive was established in 1934 and in 1951 became one of the first federates in PCWM and remains one of the Council’s most dedicated volunteer groups. Their interests and efforts include: women’s issues related to equality, living conditions, shelters, housing (Habit for Humanity), orphanages in the Ukraine and trafficking. Over the years many U.W.A.C. representatives on Council have provided leadership and support for projects and programs in particular the Celebrating Women Art Exhibit Project.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINICIn 1973, a group of volunteers formed Pregnancy Information

Service, Inc. (P.I.S.), a pro-choice birth control and pregnancy counseling service operating out of the Klinic Community Health Centre. As demand for a wider range of health services and information grew over time, the board of P.I.S. put forward their vision of a health clinic for women that would provide women-centered care.

With the assistance of a federal government grant, individual donations and lots of community support the The Women’s Health Clinic opened its doors in 1981. The clinic has continued to evolve over the years, offering a wide range of services to women of all ages and advocating with women on leading edge issues of concern to women’s health including health reform and midwifery.

As a federate member of PCWM the clinic remains true to its mission of “empowerment, choice and action” encouraging women to learn all they can about their health and well-being so they can participate in an informed way in their health decisions.

SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORTGenerous corporate sponsorship, individual contributions,

a Rainbow Auction, and the Celebrating Women suitcase sale were once again the major fundraising initiatives for the event. A hardworking Celebrating Women Committee of volunteers planned and organized the Gala. Following the event we received excellent media coverage. Monies raised will go toward funding programs to improve the quality of life for women, their families and their community. These include mental health issues, housing and energy. Mary Scott, Past President PCWM, Elaine Adam

(Individual) Note: missing in group photo below

Arlene Draffin Jones, Chair: Celebrating Women Gala Committee), Hon. Nancy Allan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Government of Manitoba, Beverley Watson, MC, CBC Radio One.

Sally Thomas, Muriel Smith, Leonore Saunders, Bonnie Siemens, Bev Goodwin

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This year $4,000 in NCWCDO grants were awarded as follows:

International HOPE Canada, Inc (IHC)For the past 6 years under the guidance of Phyllis

Reader, an operating room nurse at St. Boniface Hospital, IHC volunteers in Winnipeg have collected, sorted, and refurbished donated medical and surgical supplies and equipment for shipment to hospitals and clinics in developing countries. Reliable contacts in recipient countries ensure that caring hands receive the supplies as intended. Shipments have been sent to communities in Ukraine, Pakistan, India, and some 22 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. ICH is a 100% grassroots volunteer organization. Monies from the NCWC Development Organization will go towards the cost of a shipping container.

BUY-A-NET Malarial Prevention Group BUY-A-NET Malaria Prevention Group (BAN) is a

volunteer, Canadian citizen-driven, humanitarian initiative aimed at prevention of malaria in Uganda, one village at a time. BAN partners with local citizens groups to provide insecticide treated bed nets and malaria medicine to those in need, free of charge. Malaria is the leading killer of children and the leading cause of poverty in Africa. While all people are at risk of Malaria in Africa, children under five years and pregnant women living in poverty are the most vulnerable. The process of malaria prevention includes community needs assessment, training and education, distribution, monitoring and evaluation. It takes $350 to net the average size Ugandan village and $612 to deliver the community base training at each village.

Reaching Across Borders – Au-delà des frontières, Mbour, Senegal, Africa

The grant Students Without Borders: Afrique 2007 received last year from NCWCDO helped establish three women’s literacy centres (6 classes – 200 adult women students) in the region of Mbour. They now have 10 literacy centres in the region of Mbour, Senegal, with 50 plus classes reaching out to over 3000 women. The 2 year women’s literacy program includes classes in

Help build a better world for all – by making it a better world for girls and women!By Arlene Draffin Jones, Chair, NCWCDO

For nearly a quarter of a century the National Council of Women of Canada Development Organization (NCWCDO) grants have helped support educational and social welfare programs, and projects in countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Bolivia, India, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, the Caribbean and in Canada. These funds have helped to improve the quality of life for women, their families and their communities. However, many things have changed in the world over the past 24 years. HIV/AIDS, SARS, Katrina, tsunami are words that only recently became part of our vocabulary.

At the NCWCDO Annual General Meeting and Luncheon held in Ottawa on May 31, 2008, the guest speaker was Katherine Dinner, the Health and Social Services Advisor in the Community Acquired Infections Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada. She currently works with the HIV/AIDS & TB programs and other infectious disease projects. Katherine’s timely and enthusiastic presentation “Act Globally - Think Locally” reminded us that we are now dealing here in Canada with the results of diseases and conditions which have occurred due to catastrophes and natural disasters occurring in other parts of the world. She said: “The impact of not acting globally will be felt locally”.

It is not surprising that the requests for financial assistance today reflect the new and emerging issues. These include: monies to purchase DVD’s and movies about social justice, assistance to enable medical relief to be sent to an area in need, workshops to teach young people about resisting the lure of trafficking, helping grand parents parent the orphans of AIDS victims, assistance in helping prevent diseases and many other such projects.

Council Work Reaches Around The WorldNational Council of Women ofCanada DevelopmentOrganization

Organisation de développementdu conseil national des femmesdu Canada

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reading, writing, and small business development. Funds are needed for the application of the business skills they learn in class. The majority of the funds will be used to purchase materials to start up businesses which will in turn financially support the centres. The women choose from a list of businesses they wish to develop for their families or as a community: chicken / goat farming, soap making, clothing / cloth (dyeing techniques) manufacture, and palm tree farming - to prevent desertification / erosion of their land.). The cost is approximately $13.40 per woman to implement the program. This project, by the students, parents, and staff of Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in Winnipeg supports the bridging of two communities (Canadian and African) through a long-term sustainable exchange of ideas and resources.

Help Us Help the Children – Anti Trafficking InitiativeThis group is launching a Human Trafficking Awareness

Project in the city of Ternopil, Ukraine. The mission is to stop and prevent sexual victimization among those (girls or boys) in, or just out of, Ukrainian orphanages. Building awareness is an important first step in preventing trafficking. Workshops will be given to high school students and educators in approximately 30 schools and orphanages and will provide students and personnel with information about the nature of human trafficking. Learning activities such as role playing and story telling will be used to focus on real-life examples to improve the participants’ ability to respond to a variety of trafficking pressures and scenarios. Funding will provide resources such as PowerPoint presentations, books and printed materials.

The National Council of Women of Canada Development Organization (NCWCDO) was established by the National Council of Women of Canada in 1985 as a Registered Charitable Organization*. *Registered Charitable No. 88828-5046 RR0001

The NCWCDO Constitution sets out the criteria to be followed for projects to be considered for funding. The objectives shall be:

1. Provision of an independent organization through which members of the National Council of Women of Canada, its Provincial and Local Councils across Canada, and associations officially federated with them, may develop and support educational and social welfare programs.

2. Advancement of literacy and basic education and provision of skills training for women and girls in Third World countries and Canada, and, when deemed necessary, provision for accommodation and meals during prescribed periods of training.

3. Contribution to the general well-being of all members of a designed community through specific projects such as a well in a Third World country to provide for pure water, a social or cultural facility to be available for recreation, health clinics, crafts and adult education including health, nutrition and sanitation courses.

Here is how you can be part of this exciting work of the Councils of Women:

• Share information about the NCWCDO program • Communicate this information to your federate groups

and members.• Inform organizations that have a project in Canada

or in a developing country that meets the criteria for NCWCDO funding.

• Encourage them to apply for a grant. Application forms are available by contacting NCWC DO c/o NCWC. Completed applications must be received by January 31, 2009

Donate money to NCWCDO • Make a personal donation – individual members or

friends can send personal cheques and/or money orders to NCWCDO at any time.

• Through your federate group - Consider holding a fundraising event (potluck suppers, luncheon, international event, invite guest speakers or any other special activity).

Tax receipts are issued for donations of over $10.00. All donors of $50.00 or more are recognized in the NCWCDO Annual Report. NOTE: Donations for the year 2009 must be received before March 31, 2009.

The NCWCDO welcomes your suggestions for projects, information, promotion and selection of awards and fundraising ideas. Thank you for your interest and support.

All cheques and money orders are payable to NCWCDO.

Send to: NCWCDO Treasurer c/o NCWC 205 – 251 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3

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Polygamy in Canada and access to Social Assistancaeby: Kerry McVey

Last year, as VP for Legislation, and aware of the discussion around the issue of spouses in polygamous marriages receiving social assistance, I asked a pro bono student from the University of Ottawa, Kerry McVey, to prepare a detailed memo. The following are excerpts from her excellent work. If anyone would like the complete memo, with citations, please let me know (mary_scott@shaw.ca) – Mary Scott, VP National Council of Women of Canada

DISCUSSION

1. What is the current state of the law regarding polygamy?

Polygamy is treated as a criminal offence in Canada. However, as highlighted by the lack of charges in connection with the polygamist activity in Bountiful B.C., the criminal provisions have not recently been enforced due to fear of constitutional invalidity, although this may change as a result of an ongoing investigation by the B.C. Attorney General’s office.

Other possibilities for the lack of enforcement are the evidentiary difficulties associated with a successful prosecution. It is difficult to find women within these communities who are willing to cooperate with the authorities and be the subject of charges. Women within these unions have been raised with a severe distrust of outsiders and may face fears of retribution by other community members.

2. How do polygamous families immigrate to Canada?

The law regarding polygamous immigrants is fairly straightforward. The following paper reviews the Federal laws in some detail:

http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/pubs/pubspr/0662420683/200511_0662420683-2_2_e.html

To summarize, the leading cases surrounding polygamy in the immigration context are: Ali v. Canada and Awwad v. Minister of Immigration. In Ali, the Federal Court upheld a decision by Canadian immigration authorities

to reject a man’s application for permanent residency on the basis that he was engaged in a polygamous marriage abroad. It was a concern that he would bring the practice of polygamy into Canada.

On a similar note, in Awwad, a polygamous wife of a Canadian citizen applied for permanent residency in Canada under the self-employed category, as well as under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. The court held that it was not an error for the immigration officer to consider her polygamous marriage as a negative factor. The court felt that immigration officers are entitled to consider whether granting entry into Canada has the potential to violate Canadian laws.

It is interesting to note that shortly after these cases, immigration authorities allowed three American wives of Winston Blackmore (leader of the Bountiful community) to stay in Canada permanently under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. They were granted humanitarian and compassionate stay because their children with Blackmore were already residing in Canada. This illustrates the potential for discriminatory practices when considering applications of possible polygamous immigrants.

Immigration to Canada is now governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The regulations of the Act exclude polygamous spouses from entering Canada by making them ineligible to sponsor one another for Family Class entry. The wife of a foreign national will not be considered a “spouse” for the purpose of gaining access to Canada if the sponsor was, at the time of the marriage, the spouse of another person.

This does not amount to an absolute ban on polygamous families immigrating to Canada. It is possible for members of a polygamous family to gain access in a number of other ways:

• Applying under humanitarian and compassionate grounds

• All members of family can enter Canada through refugee status

• Some individual members may enter under the Invested or Skilled Worker Classes

• Sponsorship by another family member through Family Class entry

• Illegally – entering as a visitor and overstaying

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Note that polygamous wives with no formal education or work experience may be denied access as individual applicants, yet highly trained women can gain entry via the Skilled Workers Class.

In summary, the majority of polygamous families wishing to immigrate to Canada as a family unit will have to apply under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Under the Act, the Minister of Immigration has the authority to grant an exemption to individuals who would otherwise be inadmissible. A mandatory consideration of his/her assessment will be “the best interests of a child directly affected”.

3. What financial protections exist in Canada for women who wish to leave polygamous unions?

Canadian law regarding polygamy has the potential to undermine the financial protection of women and children upon the termination of polygamous marriages. In response to this concern, the Ontario Family Law Act considers polygamous wives as “spouses” for the purposes of equalization, provided that the marriage was celebrated in a jurisdiction that recognizes it as valid. However, for the purposes of seeking spousal support polygamous wives will have to meet the common law requirements given under the F.L.A.

In summary, Canadian law does give legal recognition to polygamous marriages in some contexts in order to promote equality for individuals within marriage. However, this apparent contradiction between the criminality of polygamy and the recognition of polygamist wives as “spouses” for the purpose of equalization has sparked significant confusion. In particular, uncertainty surrounds how the Ontario Family Law Act interacts with other social programs. This leads us to the next issue regarding the rights of polygamous families to social assistance.

4. What are the financial entitlements of polygamous families within Canada?

Early in 2008, significant controversy was sparked by allegations that Muslim men in polygamous unions were receiving social assistance for each of their wives. An official from the Canadian Society of Muslims quoted the interpretation of “spouse” under the Ontario Family Law Act as a foundation for why polygamous men have been receiving support for multiple wives. However, Ontario’s Minister of Community and Social Services insists that it

is not permissible to receive social assistance for more than one wife because polygamy is illegal in Canada. There have been calls for government officials to clarify how these two pieces of legislation work together. This illustrates the confusion which can arise surrounding the contradictory treatment of polygamy.

In conclusion, the Ontario Works Act does not allow for polygamous men to collect social assistance on behalf of multiple wives. Simply because polygamous women are given the right to equalization under the F.L.A. does not affect the O.W.A. and the social assistance program.

However, there is nothing preventing women in these relationships from applying individually and collecting social assistance provided they meet the criteria set out in the O.W.A. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, polygamy remains illegal in Canada, however depending on the context polygamous unions may be recognized. This was done to protect the rights of women and children within these unions. The criminality of polygamy is currently under review in British Columbia, and it will be interesting to follow any developments resulting from the current enquiry.

Mair Verthuy, one of the five, 2008 Recipients of the Person’s Case Award

A retired Montreal French literature professor who was the pioneering principal of North America’s first women’s studies program has won a Governor-General’s Award for her outstanding work on behalf of feminist causes in Canada.

Mair Verthuy and five other distinguished recipients - including the wife of a former Canadian prime minister and a man who consults in international modelling - are to receive their awards tomorrow at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

The other winners are:Shelagh Day, the Vancouver-based founding president of

LEAF (Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund).Frances Ennis, a St. John’s, N.L., social activist, educator,

author and rug-hooking artist.Beverley Jacobs, an Ohsweken, Ont., activist for

aboriginal women and girls.Maureen McTeer, an Ottawa lawyer, author and expert

on women’s rights and health. She is married to former Conservative PM Joe Clark.

continued on page 16

Ben Barry, an Ottawa international modelling consultant who wrote the Canadian bestseller Fashioning Reality. Barry won in the young person’s category.

The annual prizes were first granted in 1979 on the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case, a landmark constitutional case that recognized women as “persons” and allowed them to sit with men in the Canadian Senate.

The case was led by five Canadian women - Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung - who became known as the Famous Five.

“Like the Famous Five, each of (the award winners) has helped strengthen the fabric of Canadian society,” said Helena Guergis, federal minister of state for the status of women. “Each (recipient) in a unique way has served as a role model and opened doors for others to follow.”

Verthuy, 78, is a longtime Montreal feminist. Born in Wales, she graduated from London University (Middle Temple) and worked at Oxford University Press before immigrating to Canada in 1959. In 1965 she joined the French department of Sir George Williams University, now part of Concordia University.

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In 1978, she was appointed principal of the university’s new Simone de Beauvoir Institute, a bilingual Bishop St. college that was the first in North America dedicated to women’s studies; she kept the job until 1983. Verthuy retired in 2003 as a distinguished professor emerita and now volunteers as secretary of the Montreal Council of Women.

A widow and the mother of two children, Verthuy lives in Outremont.

Winners of the Governor-General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case are chosen from a list of independently nominated Canadians; Verthuy was nominated by her daughter, Véronique. To be eligible for the award, candidates must be more than 30 years old; the youth award is for candidates 15 to 30.

The awards honour outstanding contributions that have promoted the equality of girls and women in Canada, demonstrated by leadership and excellence in any field.

Mair Verthuy, one of the five,...continued from page 15