Resolutions Communique #9

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn 

Greetings and Happy New Year,

The start of a new year brings with it a time for making resolutions which off times are never fulfilled however we can make our resolutions a reality by careful planning, preparation and following the guidelines.

I am forwarding recent attachments received from National for the National Manual of Policy and Procedure as well as an excellent report on resolutions talks with the government which will be in the next issue of the Canadian League should you be unable to open it.

1. Checklist for Reviewing Proposed Resolutions (replace pages 5 & 6)
2. Resolution Section (replace pages 17 – 19b)
3. Parliament Hill Revisited (keep scrolling down till it appears)

While the pages may at first glance look similar it is important to note the additions/changes in order to follow the correct procedure for resolutions to be acceptable at all levels. .

The next three articles are taken from Betty Anne Brown, National Resolutions Chairperson’s December communique.

Parenthetical Referencing – What is it?
In a brief, this is the easiest way to identify the source of statistics, direct quotes and ideas. Immediately after they are quoted or referred to, the name of the source is put in brackets e.g. (Tremper), then another item of back up, perhaps another source might have been quoted e.g. (Zummach). If Zummach is quoted again, immediately afterwards, the brief would have been (Ibid), meaning the same source. Then at the end of the brief, those sources are listed alphabetically according to the author. It would be printed:

References
Tremper… identify the names of collaboration, the name of the article, where it appeared
Date
Zummach …

An effect of a Resolution
In an effect to be authentic, after the acceptance of Resolution 2007.02 Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies, the national executive voted to divest the League of all investments in mining companies with overseas operations in developing countries.

How are Things Connected?
Prior to the national convention in August 2007, the federal government contacted the League inviting its input on their planned pre-budgetary consultation across Canada. During the convention, National Chairperson of Legislation, Mary Nordick and Resolutions Chairperson, Betty Anne, seized the opportunity to review all past resolutions in this fiscal light. A brief was produced which was forwarded to the government committee by the deadline. National president Lorette Noble appeared before the pre-budget consultation in December when it was held in Montreal. Yes, our voices are being heard through resolutions, it is important that we continue to follow the action plan for resolutions still requiring action.

Good news!

Bill C-2 An Act to amend the Criminal code (also known as Tackling Violent Crime bill) includes Age of Consent passed the House of Commons on November 28. This bill is currently before the Senate having passed the second reading on December 12 and has now been referred to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. If passed by the senate, C-2 will raise the age of consent from 14 to 16.

Bill C-484 An Act to amend the Criminal Code injuring or causing the death of an unborn child while committing an offence) is a private members bill sponsored by MP Ken Epp. It was moved by him that the bill be read a second time (anticipated date Feb 29th) and the expected vote date on whether it is referred to Justice committee or dies, is March 5th. During the League delegation visit to Parliament Hill, Secretary of State, the Hon. Jason Kenny requested the support of League members in sponsoring this bill as he feels it is pro-life as well as pro-choice as the mother has chosen to give birth to her child. Please encourage members to write to their MP’s to vote in favour of this bill now.

Titles only of proposed resolutions from your diocese should reach me by the new date of February 4th and as previously mentioned councils can still be working on resolutions up till your cut off date, Please emphasis that the rules and criteria for resolutions must be adhered to in order to eliminate any misunderstandings and avoid hurt feelings should a resolution be rejected.
Offer your assistance and invite a Life Member in your diocese to assist.

Goals
Will I reach mine of at least one resolution from every diocese? With your help and encouragement to parish councils in your diocese it can happen!

Hoping that you have received a good response to the annual reports and I look forward to receiving yours by February 15, in order for me to compile mine for March national deadline.

May 2008 bring peace, joy and hope and may Our Lady of Good Counsel guide and bless us each and every day.

Your League Sister,
Sheila Q….