Write to the Federal Gov’t. to prohibit any practises of altering, manipulation or treatment of genetic material that would result in the death of a human embryo or the combining of species or genetic selection. Send a copy to your local MP.

2011.02: Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

Write letters to Prime Minister and MP’s urging the Federal Gov’t. to implement Canada wide support programs and services for children of missing and murdered aboriginal women. Send copy to your MP.

2011.04: Caffeine in Energy Drinks

Although the government made a first step in addressing this issue earlier this week many feel Ottawa has bowed to industry and that the announcement falls short. Energy drinks are now regulated as Food rather than Natural Health Product but the regulation will not take effect for up to two years.

Write letters to Prime Minister and Minister of Health and local MP’s asking that Health Canada engage in a program of public education focussing on the effects of caffeine in children and legislate stricter regulations, making it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly identify on its labels that the additives in energy drinks are stimulants; ensure these drinks are not marketed to children (teens); and to limit the amount of caffeine that is contained in the drinks.

Write letters to Premier Christy Clarke and Health Minister, local MLA and territorial legislatures asking that provincial/territorial governments enact legislation that determines where, how and to whom energy drinks can be sold in BC or Yukon.

BC 2011.02: Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material:

Write to Prov. Gov’t. asking them to implement regulation to protect human embryos and to develop respectful standards for the handling of human reproductive material and all licensing required. Also, asking them to convene consultative meetings with their provincial counterparts to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and all the licensing required. Send copies to your local MLA and MP.

BC 2011.03 Mandatory Abortion Reporting

Write to the Federal Minister of Health and the Minister of Industry (responsible for Statistics Canada) and ask for mandatory abortion reporting to Statistics Canada from all hospitals and clinics and send copies to your local MP and Prime Minister.

Write to PM and Bev Oda opposing governments support of Planned Parenthood of $6,000,000. Support should not be given to take the lives of the unborn, resources should not be reallocated and it is not in keeping with Canada’s position of the G8 program for maternal and health care.

(Note my email re Denied Funding for Matercare International Oct. 7/11)

Whereas, provincial and territorial governments now need statutes and/or regulations for the handling of human embryos, reproductive material, and licensing due to the Supreme Court of Canada Decision (Dec. 2010) which deemed sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) as unconstitutional and under provincial jurisdiction; and

Whereas, the lack of statutes and regulations could lead to the mishandling of human reproductive material and the abuse of human embryos which deserve respect and protection; therefore be it

Resolved, that the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada urge the BC and Yukon governments to implement regulations that would provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos, and regulations on the handling of human reproductive material, and licensing; and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be forwarded through the national executive of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, to the other provincial and territorial councils:

encouraging them to bring this need for regulation and standards to the attention of their own provincial and territorial governments for action, and to

encourage all provincial and territorial governments to convene consultative meetings immediately to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing, and therefore, be it

Resolved, that this resolution be forwarded to the national council for consideration at the 2011 annual national convention.

BRIEF: BC2011.02 Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material

The Supreme Court of Canada (Dec. 2010) ruled on the constitutional challenge by the Quebec government regarding The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) (the Act). The ruling deemed Sections 10, 11, 13, 14 to 18, 40(2)(3)(3.1)(4)(5) and 44(2)(3) as exceeding legislative authority of Parliament thus agreeing these were under provincial jurisdiction. (McLachlin et all) Due to the Supreme Court ruling, provinces and territories that lack statutes or regulations now need them for the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing.

Since human embryos are total, unique human beings that only need time for complete development, they deserve respectful handling and protection. As well, reproductive material must not be treated as commodities but require regulations and licensing. The Act defines human reproductive material as “a sperm, ovum or other human cell or a human gene, and includes a part of any of them.” (the Act, section 3) . Since these sections of the Act are now deemed to be under provincial jurisdiction, the lack of statutes and/or regulations could lead to abuses of human embryos and human reproductive material which could include exporting, importing, research and destruction. (section 10, 11, 13, 14, 16(3), 18, 40(2)(3)(3.1)).

We urge the BC and Yukon governments to implement regulations immediately that would provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos, and regulations for the handling of reproductive material as well as all the licensing required. Through our National Council we ask that all Provincial Councils bring this to their own provincial and territorial governments asking that immediate efforts be made by these governments to meet and develop consistent and respectful regulations throughout the country in regards to the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing.

Our society has a responsibility to take immediate action. To quote His Grace Archbishop Richard Smith, “We’re talking about a fundamental question of life itself and dignity of human life, this is a consideration that transcends provincial and national boundaries.” (Gyapong)

REFERENCES: BC2011.02 Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material

• Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004
• Gyapong, Deborah, Supreme Court ruling casts out genetic research barriers, Western Catholic Reporter, January 17th, 2011
• McLachlin C.J. and Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish, Abella, Charron, Rothstein and Cromwell JJ. Supreme Court of Canada Decision re Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004

ACTION PLAN:

All members write letters to their governments:

Asking them to implement regulations to protect human embryos and to develop respectful standards for the handling of human reproductive material and all licensing required;

Asking them to convene consultative meetings with their provincial counterparts to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and all the licensing required.

Send copies of letters to your MLA and MP.

BC 2010.01: Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

Whereas, Research suggests early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias could save billions of dollars while simultaneously improving care; and

Whereas, As the longevity of the Canadian population increases, new cases of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in British Columbia are estimated to rise to approximately 36,000 per year by 2038; and

Whereas, The economic burden of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in British Columbia is estimated to reach $130.2 billion by year 2038; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the British Columbia and Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada urge the Ministers of Health for British Columbia & Yukon Territory to accelerate funding for:

• research of all aspects of Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• education and prevention programs to delay the onset
• early intervention
• support services and education for home caregivers.

Brief: Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

A cost-benefit analysis of the social and fiscal impacts of early identification and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, using Wisconsin as a model, suggests early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease could save a considerable amount of money while simultaneously improving care. This analysis says you can save literally billions of dollars in long-term care costs if you can intervene at an earlier stage, says Mark Sager, director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. The study was co-authored by La Follette School of Public Affairs professor David Weimer (Nauert).

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia; the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of normal aging, but the risk of the disorder increases with age. About 5 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer’s disease, while nearly half the people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s (Mayo). With the “boomers” population now at the age of greater risk for this fatal disease, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow at an alarming rate. As stated in the World Alzheimer’s Report 2009, it can be called an epidemic that is increasing its pace with the graying of the population around the world (World).

British Columbia’s elderly population is the fastest growing in Canada, with the population over 65 expected to increase from about 14 per cent to 24 per cent of the B.C. population from 2006 to 2036. The population over age 85 is also growing (Ministry).

A report released by the Alzheimer Society in January 2010 reveals alarming statistics about the projected economic and social costs of dementia in British Columbia.

Incidents of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia:

2008: 15,150 new cases per year; and
2038″ over 35,720 projected new cases per year.

Prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias:

2008: 68,910 people with dementia (1.6% of population); and
2038″ over 177,684 projected of people with dementia cases (3% of population).

Economic burden of dementia (cumulative costs from 2008 to 2038):

2008: $2.1 billion (in 2008 dollars); and
2038: $130.2 billion (in 2008 dollars).

Hours of unpaid care provided annually by families for people with dementias:

2008: 33.1 million hours; and
2038: 118.7 million hours.

The report also outlines potential scenarios backed by current evidence that could become critical factors in reducing the impact of the disease.

Regulating the Use of Personal Electronic Devices On School Premises

Whereas, In schools, the inappropriate use of personal electronic devices by students causes distraction and disruption of the learning environment; and

Whereas, The British Columbia Ministry of Education states that safe schools support an environment that is resistant to disruption and intrusion and enables a constant focus on student achievement; and

Whereas, Electronic devices and technology are an integral part of society and can play a vital role in education or during emergency situations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada urge the Ministries of Education of British Columbia and the Yukon to:

a)  Develop provincial-territorial policies with clear rules to govern the possession and use of personal electronic devices on school premises; and

b)  That this policy be widely distributed and made easily accessible to parents and students.

ACTION PLAN:

Write letters to the British Columbia and Yukon Ministers of Education requesting the development of a province-wide policy regulating the use of personal electronic devices in schools.

Encourage councils to become aware of existing policies in their school districts regarding the use of personal electronic devices.

 Entire resolution can be viewed as a PDF (link): BC 2009.01

If a resolution is forwarded to and accepted by the Provincial Resolutions Committee, passed at Provincial Convention, and directed to the Provincial Government – the Resolution is posted on the CWL Provincial website.

If a resolution is forwarded to and accepted by the Provincial Resolutions Committee, passed at Provincial Convention, and directed to the Federal Government – the resolution is forwarded to the National Resolutions Committee.  When a resolution is forwarded to the National Resolutions Committee, and accepted, it is then presented on the convention floor.  If not passed by delegates on the National Convention floor, it is no longer a resolution; however it may be directed to National standing committee chairpersons for the purpose of educating members.

If passed by delegates on the National Convention floor, it becomes a League Resolution and is posted on the CWL National website.

Ban the Use of Cell Phones While Driving

Whereas,     In British Columbia there are, on average, eight people killed in traffic crashes every week and about 50,000 people being injured every year in traffic crashes; and

Whereas,    Chances of being involved in a crash increases 38% if the driver is using a cell phone; and

Whereas,    Tests suggest that drivers’ level of distraction increases while they use cell phones; therefore, be it

Resolved,     That the BC and Yukon Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 61st annual convention assembled, urge the British Columbia Provincial Government and the Yukon Territorial Government to amend the Highway Traffic Act to ban the use of cell phones while driving.

Action Plan

1. Write and/or call Provincial/Territorial Ministry and local MP asking for amendment to the Highway traffic act to ban the use of cell phones while driving.
2. Promote and raise awareness at Provincial, Diocesan and Parish Councils of the dangers of driving while using cell phones.

Resignations of British Columbia Marriage Commissioners

Whereas,     Marriage Commissioners in British Columbia are being compelled to resign if they will not solemnize a marriage between same-sex partners, and

Whereas,     The British Columbia Human Rights Code Part 1, Section 13 states in part a person must not

(a) refuse to employ or refuse to continue to employ a person or
(b) discriminate against a person regarding employment or any term or condition of employment because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion …; therefore, be it

Resolved,    That the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 57th annual convention assembled request the Minister of Health of British Columbia to reverse its decision demanding the resignation of Marriage Commissioners who refuse to solemnize same sex unions.BRIEF:  Resignationsof British Columbia Marriage Commissioners

On January 14, 2004 all B.C. Marriage Commissioners received a directive from Vital Statistics advising them that any “who feel they cannot solemnize same sex marriage” are required to “resign their appointments effective March 31, 2004.” [1] This directive should be overturned because it is contrary to the BC Human Rights Code.

The directive was sent as a result of the B.C. Appeal Court ruling (July 2003). However, the definition of marriage falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government and, the law states ‘marriage is between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others’.[2]

Paul Forseth, MP for New Westminster-Coquitlam-Burnaby, is challenging the constitutionality of forcing marriage commissioners to marry same-sex couples. He states: “This issue is before the Supreme Court, and parliament has yet to legislate to finalize the rules. It looks like B.C. has decided to ‘jump the gun’ and actively promote same-sex marriage as a matter of government operational policy.”[3]

Federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler announced at a news conference January 28, 2004, therehas been no change in government support of same sex marriage and it is adding a new question in its already-presented questions to the Supreme Court of Canada. Minister Cotler estimated that the court would not hand down its ruling until the middle of 2005. Parliament would then debate and vote on the proposed legislation.[4]

Demanding the resignations of marriage commissioners in British Columbia is a direct violation of the B.C. Human Rights Code.[5] The directive discriminates against religious beliefs. This issue is before the Supreme Court of Canada and no federal law has yet been passed supporting same-sex marriage. Therefore the directive should be overturned.

FOOTNOTES
1. Copy of letter to Marriage Commissioners of British Columbia from Vital Statistics dated January 14, 2004.
2. Government Orders. Supply: Allotted Day – Marriage <http://www.parl.gc.ca/36/1/parlbus/chambus/house/debates/240_1999-06-08/han240_1020-e.htm> ; ?
3. McMahon, Laureen. “Will clergy be next?” The B.C. Catholic, Issue Nov. 5 – February 2, 2004
4. Government of Canada Position on Supreme Court Reference <http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/news/nr/2004/doc_31106.html>
5. B.C. Human Rights Code. Section 1 – Definitions. <http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/H/96210_01.htm>

Labour Act Amendments – Consequences for Children

Whereas,    Bill 37 the Amendment to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act repealed the requirement of a permit from the Employment Standards Branch when a prospective employer wished to hire a child aged 12 to 15; and

Whereas,    Written consent from one parent or a legal guardian is now the only requirement to hire a child aged 12 to 15; and

Whereas,     The previous permit system allowed trained staff from the Employment Standards Branch to be involved in the hiring of children in order to set conditions of employment and assess work place hazards; therefore be it

Resolved,    That the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 57th annual convention assembled

• urge the Provincial Government of B.C. to reinstate the requirement for a work permit in addition to the consent of a parent or legal guardian prior to employment of a child aged 12 to 15
• urge the revision of the regulations governing child labour by implementing further restrictions on prohibited occupations and the times of day that children may be employed to protect them from exploitation.

BRIEF: Labour Act Amendments – Consequences for Children

The Provincial Government of BC Amendments to the Skills Development & Labour Act have resulted in very weak regulations concerning the protection, and prevention of exploitation of children employed in the BC workforce.  Prior to these amendments an employer was required to obtain a permit from the Employment Standards Branch before hiring a child under the age of 15. [1]  Trained staff could assess the work place, interview employers and identify potential hazards.

Today the only requirement is a written letter of consent from one parent or legal guardian. [2]  While the parent is the best person to be responsible for his or her child, unfortunately not all parents have the skills or the willingness to determine the suitability of the child’s work place.  Other factors such as the family’s economic situation can have a bearing on the pressure for a child to earn money.  Child labour is closely linked to extreme poverty. [3]  While Canada is not a third world country, poverty is certainly increasing in many areas.  In addition, parents from minority immigrant groups may have a problem with written consent and may not be fully aware of what the consent implies due to language barriers.

While most adults believe that moderate amounts of age-related work can help a young person develop valuable skills, there must be checks and balances in the system.  The regulations state that the child can work up to four hours on a school day. [4]  However, there are no specifics as to when these four hours are to be worked other than not during scheduled school hours.  This means an unscrupulous employer could schedule a child to work very late in the evening or during the very early morning hours.

The changes to the Employment Standards Act will make British Columbia’s child labour laws the weakest in Canada. [5]  The United States have regulations much stricter than ours in BC.  Not only do children work fewer hours but also these hours are spelled out. [6]

Overall, the Amendment to the Employment Standards Act has removed protection for working children age 12 to 15 by placing the onus for regulating conditions onto the parents and employers.  With no policies being enforced, the system becomes complaint driven after the fact.

FOOTNOTES
1. BC Legislative Session: 4th.Session, 37th Parliament.  Skills Development and Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2003. <http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/37th4th/3rd_read/gov37-3.htm>
2. Helesia Luke. “A Change In Standards: Child Labour In BC.” Scoop Magazine, Fall 2003 Issue, pp27, 28.
3. Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Statement on Children’s Rights. <http://webapps.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.asp?publication_id=377343&Language=E>
4. B.C. Ministry of Skills Development & Labour, Employment Standards Branch. General Employment of Young People. December 2003, pp1-2. <http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/facshts/pdfs/youth_general.pdf>
5. Helesia Luke & Graeme Moore. Who’s Looking Out For Our Kids?: Deregulating Child Labour Law In British Columbia: a CCPA-BC Policy Brief. Vancouver, BC: Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives, March 2004, ISBN:0-88627-361-7, pp15. </http://www.policyalternatives.ca/bc/child-labour.pdf>
6. Helesia Luke & Graeme Moore. ibid. pp16. <http://www.policyalternatives.ca/bc/child-labour.pdf>

[no BIBL]

REGULATIONS REGARDING CONTROL OF DANGEROUS DOGS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whereas,    potentially dangerous and vicious dogs have become a serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of this province; and

Whereas,    numerous individuals, particularly children, have been assaulted without provocation and seriously injured by dogs and many of these attacks have occurred in public places; therefore, be it

Resolved,    that the B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 56th annual convention assembled, urge the Government of British Columbia in conjunction with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to enact legislation to:

a) ban dangerous dogs from residential areas in cities and towns in British Columbia, and
b) create stronger laws to impose severe penalties to owners who violate the existing regulations

BRIEF: REGULATIONS REGARDING DANGEROUS DOGS AND THEIR CARE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The increase in unprovoked attacks of people and animals by vicious and potentially dangerous dogs has become a serious concern nation-wide.

While local bylaws and provincial statutes in British Columbia provide several means of dealing with vicious dogs, the legislation is inadequate to guarantee the safety of  the citizens of this province from the unprovoked attacks of dangerous breeds of dogs.

The ban of dangerous breeds of dogs from city and town limits and stricter demands on owners of these dogs will ensure that the citizens are less likely to be attacked.

Animal control legislation must aim at preventing problems with reasonable laws that protect well-behaved dogs and responsible dog owners while targeting those who actually cause nuisances or endanger public safety.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. B.C. Capital Regional District.  Bylaw Enforcement / Animal Control, May 28, 2002.
2. 1998-UBCM Resolutions and Responses – B23 Vicious dogs.
3. Animal, Bird & Beekeeping Regulation Bylaw 7137
4. Mrs. Donna Flannery’s testimony concerning the attack on her daughter by Rottweiler dogs, while jogging in a residential area of Richmond, B.C.