Provincial Convention 2009: Legislation Oral Report

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

It has been said you have to know the product then market it so how can we ‘know’ legislation? The 4H principle suggests, “learn to do by doing” so here are the ‘doings’ of the legislation standing committee.

L – lobby and continue to lobby all levels of government, federal, provincial, municipal

E – encourage members to write personal letters to the level of government the resolution was directed to using the personal letter writing guide. The power of writing allows us to exercise our rights as Canadians

G – governments, federal, provincial and municipal need to hear our concerns, together we can influence politicians

I – issues of social justice and those against our Christian values need to be addressed to the government and the media, speak up, take a stand.

S – support our resolutions otherwise they are not worth the paper they are written on and most important pray

L – learn to navigate and monitor all government web-sites in order to keep updated on legislation

A – act on resolutions by following the suggested action plan, work with the resolutions and relevant committee chairs.

T – talk up legislation at council meetings, talk to your local representative, add your name on his/her mailing list

I – Inform members of bills coming up for debate before the house. Info can be gleaned from CCCB,COLF, Catholic Civil Rights web sites, also newspapers and magazines.

O -obtain a list of Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, city councilors and municipal representatives.

N – now that leads me to the questions?

Do you enjoy reading? Like a challenge? Like to work from your home?

Are you ready for a new learning experience? Have access to a computer or have a friend who has one and likes to work with you?

If you answered YES to these questions are you ready to become legislation chairperson? What will your answer be? Will it be as Betty Anne Brown, National Communications Chairperson suggested in her recent League magazine article “Why not, just let me try”.

My goals for the following year are to create a better understanding of legislation and to encourage members to step forward in faith and action to fill vacant legislation chairs.

Sisters in the League, with your help and prayers these goals can be achieved. Together all things are possible.