Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

In March this year the provincial delegation, Provincial President, Barb Dowding, Past President, Pat Battensby and myself made our way to the Legislature building for our meetings with both Liberal and New Democratic Party members to present and discuss the League’s resolutions.

We were warmly welcomed by the Liberal Caucus whip Mr. Randy Hawes for the first meeting attended by twenty-two members and three interns who were each given booklets listing the resolutions, briefs and recommended action plans in order for them to follow the presentation.

I began by introducing our delegates, giving a brief outline of our organization, and thanking the members for the work they do for our province. The following three resolutions were directed to the federal government, however we were asking that they give support to them:

Government Funding for Police Record Checks – people volunteer, many of them League members so is it fair to ask them to pay for these checks?

Global Accountability for Canadian registered Mining Companies. Mentioning that the League had withdrawn holdings from these companies and inviting them to consider this option.

Hospice Palliative Care, An Integral Component of the Canadian Health Care. To this, one member stated that end-of-life care is ‘spotty’ but a top priority   We were informed that it is a challenge to elected members each year and a struggle to put more monies into health care, but the good news is this year 2/3rd of monies is going into health care.  While they agreed with us we were asked if our organization would support the government to be sustainable in completely different ways of attacking this.

Banning the Use of Hand-Held Cellular telephone and Telematic Devices While Driving. How many have used their cell phones while driving their cars was the question asked by Barb, several members responded by a show of hands. We were advised that the Solicitor General will be looking into this matter, however I have since been informed that due to the recent Solicitor General transition this has been put on hold at the present time.   They stressed the level of awareness needs to be raised in regard to using electronics while driving. On several occasions members referred to us as ‘the conscience’ for the politicians.

With the alarming rate of violent abuse a previous resolution, Link Between Violent, Graphic Imagery and Aggressive Behaviour and the Mechanics of Killing was next to be presented. This was followed by The Abuse and of Residents in Long Term Care Facilities, which has been very much in the news recently, assurance was given that all complaints are and will continue to be investigated. Seniors helping seniors programmes are needed. This is already in place in many communities.

Human Trafficking remains and is currently a huge concern we agreed to make this the main focus of our presentation.   In her 15 minute presentation Pat gave trafficking figures from a UN report, referred to details when Germany hosted the World Cup and in her closing statement stated that Vancouver is already known as a gateway city but 2010 (Olympic Games) will mark Vancouver as a market for trafficking. As citizens we must become aware of this huge problem!

Members listened intently, appeared very interested in this particular issue, asked several question and made comments.   One member said how shocked she was seeing on TV trafficking of children as well as other documentaries related to trafficking. We were thanked for our presentation and commended for the excellent research, especially in relation to trafficking.

They were not in a rush to end our meeting, several members came forward, introduced themselves, spoke to each of us, then it was time for the annual “photo shoot” and our good-byes.

Hurrying along corridors to reach our next meeting room we realized we were already late for our scheduled meeting with the NDP members therefore our presentation would be shorter so we decided that trafficking would be the major focus in light of the approaching 2010 Olympic Games.

Again members in attendance showed a genuine by the questions and comments made, obviously they were listening.   We learned from one MLA that each municipality has the authority to change the law regarding sex establishments and this law was enforced in one area resulting in the closing of a brothel. Extra booklets were requested for members who were unable to attend and we were thanked and congratulated for the research and information given.

All too soon our meeting was over, however one member (a woman) spoke with us as we leaving and advised that we take our concern re: trafficking, prostitution and brothels during the 2010 Olympics to Colin Hansen.   She suggested if we were unable to make an appointment with him to get back to her and she would assist us.

During lunch in the legislature dining room we were in agreement that our viewpoint was respected, dialogue was good, this was by far the best meeting ever, especially after last year’s experience and that we had stepped forward in ‘faith and action’.

It is important to continue to establish meetings with our politicians to reflect the view of not only 9,000 plus members in our province but of all League members across Canada.   Our voices can be heard through resolutions!