Legislation Communique #6

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

Greetings on this beautiful sunny fall day.

Welcome to Legislation chairpersons –Lola, Kamloops,  Roxanne, Vancouver, Betty , Prince George who are joining second term chairpersons, Kathy, Victoria, and Beth, Nelson.   I look  forward to working with everyone and especially receiving your communiques

Most of you will know by now the exciting news that the three resolutions approved at the national convention in St. John’s Newfoundland are all ‘home grown’.  Two come under the legislation heading – 2009.02 Protection and Support Services for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking and 2009.03 Hate Messages.

2009.01 Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons is under Christian Family Life standing committee.   They can all be found together with the suggested action plan posted on the national web site www.cwl.ca

Now that schools are back we are reminded of another resolutions addressed to our province which was approved at the provincial convention in Prince George -  Regulating the Use of Personal Electronic Devices on School Premises. Check it out on the BC & Yukon Provincial web site www.cwl.bc.ca and plan to follow the given action plan.

Our provincial resolution Banning the Use of Cell Phones While Driving was one of the resolutions presented and discussed with the British Columbia Government when the League delegation met with them earlier in the year.   In the recent throne speech we were informed that the government plans to introduce legislation banning cell phones while driving.

This ban is already in force in at least three other provinces.   Meantime keep watching for this to come into effect and when it does become law consider writing a letter congratulating the government for taking this step.

Bill C-384 Act to Amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity)

You may recall that this Bill, introduced by Francine Lalonde, MP, would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide.   For the third time the Bill is before the federal government, has been placed in the order of precedence in the House of Commons, and will be brought forward when Parliament reconvenes on September 14^th.

Judy Lewis, National Legislation Chairperson suggests reading the entire bill and acting now by encouraging members to telephone, write personal letters and send e-mails to your MP and request a response as to how he/she proposes to vote.  This Bill presents a great danger to the most vulnerable, the mentally and physically ill and accident victims in our society and must be defeated.  Please emphasize to councils the consequences this Bill will have if it passes.

National President, Danielle McNeil-Hessian on behalf of the 718 members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada attending the national convention wrote to the Prime Minister of Canada also the 305 members of parliament stating our concerns regarding this Bill.   If you haven’t already had a chance to read her letter, do take time to do so at  www.cwl.ca

Visit the federal government web site frequently, daily if possible, in order to monitor the status of Bills coming before the House at www.parl.gc.LEGISINFO.ca then click on Projected Order of Business.    Don’t forget to also check legislation updates in our provincial government at www.gov.bc.ca then to legislation and Hansard.   Inform parish council counterparts of issues requiring immediate action as soon as possible in order for them to get the message out to members

Know a member or perhaps have a friend who may be interested in legislation, enjoys reading but prefers to work in the background?   Consider inviting her to assist you as your sub chair.

Something to share.  When accessing the Federal Government of Canada web site you will notice on the right hand side a window listing several choices, one of them is ‘write to our troops’. It only takes a minute to click on and send either a personal message or one from your CWL council.   These messages are very much appreciated by our troops who are serving our country and protecting us.

May The Holy Spirit grant wisdom to those who govern our country and may we be guided by Our Lady of Good Counsel as we continue to seek social justice, speaking up for the voiceless, standing up for our beliefs and together making our voices heard.