I started this March 13 and didn’t finish as I was waiting for some information. Easter is upon us and this has to get out. I wish you all a blessed Easter. Christ is Risen, he is risen indeed. Alleluia. We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.

I think this is my last communiqué as Provincial Community Life Chairperson and it should provide you with some material to use for your oral reports to convention. Dr. Rayleen DeLuca recently prepared communiqué #8. I submitted my annual report to National on March 7. Thank you for your excellent annual reports, Rayleen congratulated us. If Rayleen sends out more info I will be sure to communicate again.

I read an interesting news article on Life Canada regarding Liberal MP Dr. Keith Martin (Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca riding) wanting an end to Human Rights Commission Assault on Free Speech. Dr. Martin introduced his private member’s motion M-446 on January 30,2008 calling for the removal of subsection 13 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act from the Act. This subsection deals with so called “hate speech” against individuals or groups. I have read stories of complaints against Maclean’s Magazine, Catholic Insight and the Christian Heritage Party. It seems the case against Ezra Levant (editor) was dropped in February. Write to your MP and pray.

I’ve received numerous emails from ECP centre in Langley where a convention is taking place March 28-29th 2008. The headlines say “Freedom of speech for Christians is a fairytale”. Theme: New media and a Christian perspective on free speech

Free Speech is under attack in Canada as never before. The Mark Steyn and Ezra Levant prosecutions before various Human Rights Commissions have brought the issue into sharp focus. What should the Christian response be in the midst of all the hype? Are free speech rights absolute? Does government have a role in regulating speech? How does the media fit into the picture? And how does all of this relate to “New Media” in this Internet age? Join us for an insightful weekend of discussion, analysis, and perspective on one of the most important issues facing Christians in our day. There is a registration fee. Regular conference price after March 17, 2008 Town hall only event – $55.00; Full conference event – $95.00 LOCATION Willoughby Christian Reformed Church, 20525 72nd Ave, Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 1T2. SPEAKERS Tristan Emmanuel, ECP Centre , Connie Fournier, Free Dominion , Ron Gray, Christian Heritage Party of Canada, Stephen Pidgeon, Lawyer , Al Siebring, No Apologies News Michael Wagner, Author. I don’t believe any speakers are Catholic but we should pray for the success of this conference as the topic affects us very much.

Excerpts from Dr. DeLuca’s Communique

Clemency for Canadians

The headline of the Toronto Star on March 5th read: “Canada to seek clemency over beheading sentence”. The article stated that according to a high level government source, Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper “…has ordered Canadian officials to seek a reprieve from a death sentence for a young Canadian man sentenced to beheading in Saudi Arabia. …The young man is jailed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he was arrested along with his younger brother Sultan, who turns 17 this week, in the death of a participant in a large schoolyard brawl.” The family of the young man has articulated that “clemency is not enough and that a fair retrial is necessary”. Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976 and for years have pressured foreign governments for clemency when its citizens faced execution. It is critical that members write to their members of parliament (MPs) requesting that the government continue to pressure foreign governments for clemency when Canadian citizens face execution. Further, it is important that members include a strong message that the young Canadian be given a fair retrial.

Call for Peace

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, recently called on the federal government to engage in a peace process in Afghanistan, debate Canada’s future involvement, and give citizens more information on Canada’s role in the armed conflict in Afghanistan and the implications for Afghan people. Clearly, members of the League, support Archbishop Weisgerber’s plea for a peace process.

Earth Hour, March 29th KAIROS wants you to turn off your lights for an hour at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th. KAIROS suggests that the federal government’s “lack of action on climate change” has been contrasted by the “amazing response to Earth Hour”. Throughout the world, people are asking their communities and governments to turn off the lights. Cities across Canada have made a commitment to turn off the lights. For example, the Mayor of Winnipeg recently announced that all buildings owned or operated by the City of Winnipeg other than skywalks and parkades will have all lights turned off between 8 and 9 p.m. on March 29th. To learn of the many creative actions planned for Canada, see the website.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking continues to be a focus for the League. It is imperative that we continue to strive towards eliminating the trafficking of women and children. I thank you for your communicating that you have attended and conducted workshops, written letters and have become educated on this most horrific problem. As indicated in a previous communiqué, MP Joy Smith (Kildonan/St. Paul CPC) has been instrumental in bringing forward human trafficking to the forefront of government business. Mrs. Smith has extensive information on this topic and indicated in a recent League meeting with her in Ottawa that she would be pleased to share it with members.

On February 28th the age of consent was finally raised from 14 to 16 years of age. Undoubtedly, this change in the law will aid in eliminating human trafficking. Of course, members must continue to have their voices heard especially with the serious concern relative to “co-op” brothels for sex trade workers. As indicated in an earlier communiqué, League members in B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council have already taken concrete action in developing and promoting a postcard campaign against legalization of prostitution.

Poverty

Rayleen extends her thanks to the councils that have contacted her about adopting a child. This is a most exciting project and another way members show that “we not only talk the talk – we walk the walk”. Yes, we are fighting child poverty – one child at a time.

International Women’s Day

In 1977 the United Nations General Assembly (UN) adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the UN’s lead, Canada chose March 8th as International Women’s Day. I hope members had the opportunity to celebrate the collective power of women, past, present and future on March 8th. Rayleen states:

Serving as the keynote speaker at an International Women’s Day celebration in Winnipeg, I spoke on “Women and Stress”. It was most interesting to me to find studies citing the importance of friendships between women. For example, a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that female bonding activities serve as very important stress management strategies and have quantifiable health benefits that males miss out on. League members not only gain benefits spiritually and psychologically – but it would seem they can benefit physically as well!

While compiling the annual report there were comments about the postcard campaign. The postcard campaign is still ongoing and we would love to have more dioceses participate! They will ALL make an impact, If you wish to receive numerous postcards you can email Krista Bones at this email canadacanpostcards@gmail.com and she will mail them to you. Do it now so you can distribute the postcards at your conventions. No postage is necessary if the title MP is in the address. To read all the articles about decriminalization of prostitution visit www.CanadaCan.blogspot.com scroll down and you will find the address of your member of parliament. Act now while there is time!!! Please circulate to all your circles of influence. We need a flood of postcards send now. This comment is from Rayleen ” I strongly encourage members to join in B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council’s initiative to ensure that we don’t have legalized prostitution at the 2010 Winter Olympics”.

An item I mentioned in my Communique# 08 February 06.2008, needs clarification and more information. The last thing I want to do is create confusion. This is what I wrote “E. Audet mentioned a $15 donation to Plan Canada to pay for a birth registration in Sudan. Apparently this would help in the problem of trafficking.” “While a worthwhile project, we are advised to support our Catholic organizations” was the next sentence and was a reply from Dr. DeLuca after I wrote to her requesting information about Plan Canada to see if their aims and objects are compatible with our faith and morals. I found this info on their website. Plan Canada is the new name for Foster Parents Plan. They have a few projects under Gifts of Hope A $25 donation pays for a mosquito net in Uganda to help prevent malaria. The $15 donation to pay for a girls birth registration would ensure that the child has a national identity. Because they are not registered they have no legal rights and are vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and abuse. I sent an email to Plan Canada asking them to clarify their position and they have not responded. Delving into the myriad options on www.Plancanada.ca I discovered: 1. click on Work With Us 2. click on “About Plan” 3. click on “How we Work” 4. click on CIDA projects and 5 choose Uganda for a country. Under HIV/AIDS read that they support sexual and reproductive health.

Now having said all this, continue on with working through our Canadian Catholic Organizations so our Catholic Church is seen as working for the glory of God. To propagate the faith we must be seen as working for God. We must also support countries whose citizens are predominantly Christian. To come to their aid is a duty of justice even prior to being an act of charity Do you remember about six years ago Fr. Tom Rosica telling us that it was important to support the Canadian Missionaries as they were doing Gods work and needed to be taken care of? Care for your own first.

A quote from Pope Benedict XVI

“In this way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Mt 5,16). Everything, then, must be done for God’s glory and not our own. If, in accomplishing a good deed, we do not have as our goal God’s glory and the real well being of our brothers and sisters, looking rather for a return of personal interest or simply of applause, we place ourselves outside of the Gospel vision.”

Remember to bring something Red along with you to your conventions so we can be a sea of Red on Friday to show support for our Military Troops and their families.

Sheila Quinn kindly drew up a chart to track your personal 1% donations to Development and Peace. I do not have a copy of this but it would be easy to draw a chart, have five columns, column 1 would have a listing of things that you would consider a luxury. The other four columns would be one for each week of the month. Some suggestions of luxuries, perms, hair colouring, movies, starbucks or coffee shops, lunches out, clothing, travel, makeup and perfume. You would tick off items on your list and give 1% of the value to be totaled up at months end and donated at the next CWL meeting. The Diocesan Presidents all have a copy of Sheilas handiwork so perhaps they could give you a copy and see how mine stacks up against it.

May the Risen Lord bless you and May His Mother Mary our patroness under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel guide you in the path of charity and love.

It is Ash Wednesday today and the beginning of Lent.  May this holy season  bring us closer to God and give us  a greater awareness of our duties to God and  neighbour.  Help us to be aware of those who are suffering materially, physically and spiritually throughout the world.  May we be in solidarity with them with our Lenten sacrifices.

I am pleased to report that I have received two annual reports to date and look forward to receiving the other four by the deadline February 15.  Please email your reports asap.

Would the Diocesan Chairpersons please note that I send a copy of my communiqués to the National Chairperson so she knows what I am doing.  Despite my pleas, I have not received copies of diocesan chairperson’s reports to their parish councils; this is with the exception of Vancouver and Prince George.  I have no clue of what the other Dioceses are doing. It is simply a matter of clicking  an email button and I would have it. I hate to keep harping on this but it is important.  Share with other Diocesan chairpersons too.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Community Life Chairperson sent Communique #07 a few days ago.  Rayleen is speaking about events from 2007, nevertheless she has some interesting statements. I am not taking any liberties by putting her remarks into my own words.  Regarding Poverty, there appears to be momentum building for a Canadian poverty reduction strategy. KAIROS has reported that progress has been made across Canada on poverty issues. For example, Newfoundland and Labrador renewed its poverty reduction strategy, Ontario ad Nova Scotia are developing strategies and there are indications of strategies being developed in Manitoba ad Prince Edward Island.

KAIROS stated that Canadian churches are doing their part.  The Canadian Council of Churches  relased a newletter, visit www.ccc-cce.ca/english/home/nov26_2007.htm to read a copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Harper.

Over 75,000 Canadians rallied against poverty at over 500 events on October 17, 2007, the United Nations International day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Campaign 2000′s new 2007 Report Card on Child and family Poverty  can be accessed at www.ccb.ca. After reaching this page, scan the listings on the right hand side and click on National report Card Nov 2007.  I had the whole address typed in here but it wouldn’t open so this was the easiest way.  Very interesting articles here.

She (Dr. De Luca) thanks everyone for their wonderful letters advising of the children that parish council are sponsoring/adopting.  The League is really making a difference for many children, remember, councils can fight child poverty – one child at a time.

During meetings with the federal government, the League delegation made up of National President Lorette Noble, National Chairperson of Resolutions, Betty Anne Brown and Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life emphasized the critical importance of a national strategy for poverty reduction.  Members writing letters to their MPs would undoubtedly help.

Government funding for Police Records Check

Betty Anne Brown reported that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Rob Nicholson welcomed League concerns about police records checks. It seems that police records checks are currently considered a municipal and provincial matter but the delegation addressed its importance in today’s society and asked him to consider a future budgetary allocation.

From Pain to Hope

The CCCB has published a document of Orientations to assist catholic dioceses in Canada in updating diocesan protocols for the prevention of sexual abuse.  More info is available at www.cccb.ca/site/content/view/2555/1214/lang.eng/

Sub Committee Reports from Mary Ryan

(a) The United Nations has proclaimed 2008 as International Year of the Planet Earth to have decision makers and politicians focus on the need to use scientific knowledge related to our planet to promote sustainable development. They have also proclaimed 2008 as International Year of sanitation.   This was a Millenium goal to have basic sanitation by 2015.  In addition 2008 has been proclaimed as International Year of the potato focusing the world’s attention on the importance of the potato in providing food, security and alleviating poverty.

(b) The Afghanistan Reference Group (ARG) is a network of NGO’s including the CCODP. It has made three submissions to the Independent Panel on Canada’s future role  in Afghanistan.  The ARG is calling on the federal government to change its top priorities in Afghanistan to peace building and sustainable development and is urging Canada to separate military operations from the importance of humanitarian and development efforts.

(c)  This year is the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Dignity and Justice for all of us was the theme for UN Human rights Day 2007.  The Council of Canadians and other groups worldwide are campaigning to ensure that water is enshrined as a human right.

(d)  Begun 10 years ago, the Global March Against child labour is a movement to mobilize worldwide efforts to protect and promote rights of all children.  Another website to visit:  www.globalmarch.org  Happy reading everyone.

On a happy note, I am pleased to report that Beverley Reid of Coming Home Films is back in Africa and they are very busy with the Ugandan Library Project.  Work is coming along and the major work has been completed.    Thank you everyone who supported this project.  They had money left over so were able to add some windows and a heavy door.

I did not attend the winter meeting at Rosemary Heights Jan 25-27 but I did provide a report to the meeting.  E. Audet mentioned a  $15 donation to Plan Canada to pay for a birth registration in Sudan. Apparently this would help in the problem of trafficking. While a worthwhile project, we are advised to support our Catholic organizations.

A member from Castlegar BC has put on the trafficking of women and children program with material from my files.  It is good to see grassroots members getting enthused.

The postcard campaign to  let your Member of Parliament  know where you stand on the issue of decriminalizing brothels is still ongoing.  Click on the following website and follow the directions.  www.CanadaCan.blogspot.com

There is a wealth of information on this page.  Please read the 10 reasons for not legalizing prostitution.   Susan Schembri, Vancouver Community Life Chair has been working overtime on the Trafficking issue and 2010 Olympics. I don’t believe she shared her report with other Diocesan Chairpersons and her first communiqué September 22 had information that would be helpful to others.  To quote Susan:

“Dignity and Rights of Persons:   “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)

This is the topic I will be focusing on during my term among other topics. With the hosting of 2010 Olympics come many issues and concerns about Human Trafficking.

Getting educated about this topic should be our main objective. The federal government is taking a serious look at trafficking and introducing new measures. These new measures are meant to help assist victims of human trafficking brought into Canada from abroad. The new measures extend the length of the temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking to 180 days up from 120. This extension allows victims to apply for a work permit – an option not previously available. Other measures involve assistance with health care benefits including medical treatment and counselling services under the Interim Federal Health Programme. The fees for these initial resident and work permits, which normally cost $200 and $150 each, will be waived. In addition to these measures, and depending on their particular circumstances, a number of other avenues may also be pursued by possible victims of trafficking.”

A reminder to protect yourself from Identity theft, be careful and shred papers with your personal information on it.  I have to find out how to get information about me removed from google. My daughter in Sicamous told me about googling yourself.  I was shocked to see the BC CWL website pop up when I clicked on an item about the CWL under my name and even  my Arizona mailing address was listed.   Google states that a “spider” robot crawls the web searching for links. I sent an email requesting removal but haven’t had an answer back.   I believe this is something to be greatly concerned about especially when we write about sensitive issues common to our faith and morals. Of course I have used google to get information myself but that was typing in important peoples names, who would think that ordinary people would get featured.

In my report to the Winter Meeting I mentioned :  “An item of current interest is the issue of Nursing Homes and making them safer.  This could be a potential resolution for an enthusiastic parish.  Society is getting greyer and greyer as the pre baby boomers are now over 65 and the next onslaught of the real baby boomers are only a few years behind.” Will there be sufficient facilities for care?” A news article I read on poverty stated that the flood of immigrants is causing  a strain on Canada’s largest cities, namely, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.  These immigrants are coming from China, India, Philippines and Pakistan.  It sees the immigrants prefer to live in cities where there are great services, language training, social housing, libraries, community recreation, public health and schools.  The rural communities have room to take immigrants but lack facilities to help care for them.  How can immigrants be encouraged to take up residence in rural communities? In closing I ask God to bless your work to help those needing it most in our communities. May Our Lady of Good Counsel smile upon you.

Greetings on this blustery Shrove Tuesday,

First of all I share with you the exciting news, to date I have received titles of nine proposed resolutions from two dioceses.   Should the other four dioceses be contemplating submitting a resolutions(s) the titles must be sent to me right away so that they can be forwarded to National by February 15^th.

New Criteria

From my last communique (with enclosures) you would have received the updated check-list and guidelines for resolutions being presented this year which I trust have been forwarded to parish counterparts.  Parish council committees working on resolutions  must  have these guidelines to follow in order to avoid disappointment and frustration when resolutions are not accepted.

National Resolutions chairperson reminder ‘background material and research must be from original sources, not from newspaper clippings, opinions or website information.   Material cannot be plagiarized and credit must be given to the originating sources’.

Annual reports.

Thanks to the five diocesan chairpersons who have already sent me their annual reports prior to the deadline date.   Well done!   There is still time for the sixth diocese to meet the deadline date of February 15^th, so please share your resolutions news with your League sisters, not only in our Province, but across Canada.

Possible Resolutions Titles

National Chairperson, Betty Anne Brown’s communique received to-day states that  the  following titles of possible resolutions have been received  from Ontario Province:

• Human trafficking
• Strategy to end poverty
• Speedometers and limiters
• Unborn victims of violence
• Aging in place and senior friendly communities
• Informed consent
• Tax Discrimination: married couples, stay-at-home parents
• Violent videos/games: classifications, labeling, laws to protect

Please note that if your diocese is working on a similar topic, or if you have useful information to strengthen theses possible resolutions, the suggestion is to contact me and then contact will be made with Marlene Pavletic, Chair of Ontario Resolutions.

March 5^th as previously mentioned is the day the Provincial delegates present our resolutions to both government parties, please pray for the success of our visit.

To coincide with this visit make March meetings a time to focus on resolutions and follow the action suggested on previous resolutions or at least on one.

Action speaks louder than words!

If you are about to finish your term now is a good time to start cleaning out and preparing to pass on files or boxes to the next chairperson.   Provincial executive have a policy re files/boxes with a list of items to leave in them which is a useful guide.

Rev. Martin Luther King said “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.   Resolutions are a way of expressing our faith in the way of justice.

Communicating between levels of the League is important so please send me a copy of your mail out including any feedback you received from parish councils.

May we experience God’s love and presence every day of our lives and May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us in all that we do.

Your League Sister,
Sheila

We’re in the midst of summer at long last and I have some important material to share so you are aware of what is happening on the Community Life Scene. You can start working on this so your Parish counterparts will be ready to spring into action.

Welcome to the new Community Life Chairpersons Rose G. of Kamloops Diocese, Shirley L. from the Diocese of Prince George, Susan S. from Vancouver Arch Diocese. and our unnamed member from Whitehorse. Our returning Chairpersons, Janet O’F. from Nelson Diocese and Pauline S. of Victoria Diocese will help welcome the newcomers. Working together I know we’ll make a strong stand in BC. I have Kathy F. of Victoria Diocese as Sub Chair for Dignity and Rights of Persons. I would heartily welcome some additional help for any of the other sub titles which are listed in the handbook

It was my pleasure to visit and share with Susan S., Rose G., & Janet O’F. at the Provincial Convention last June. Carol L. from the Military Ordinariate also joined us for the luncheon.

In British Columbia we have taken a positive step in helping with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa by supporting “Women for Change”, a program approved by Development and Peace. You have our blessing to raise funds and submit through Dev and Peace to aid these ladies in Zambia. Remember we have disassociated ourselves from Stephen Lewis foundation (Go Go Grannies).

Remember to support the motion put forth by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women that I sent to you July 12 as well. I’m sure every member will contact her MP to ask for support on this motion to curtail the trafficking of women and girls at the 2010 Olympics. We are appreciative of help from this committee, it goes to show that we are not alone in this struggle.

Many brochures from “Call of the Poor “in St. Norbert, Manitoba were distributed at the convention. I would ask that you take a close look at this appeal and pray over it. If you can help out even a little it would make a difference. God bless your efforts.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life has Communique #3 prepared. It’s full of up to date information. I’m almost copying her report word for word as it is too hard to condense without losing the intent. Community Life is still rocking.

Trafficking of Women and Children
The federal government is taking a serious look at trafficking and introducing new measures. A news release dated June 19,2007, stated: “The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today introduced new measures to help assist victims of human trafficking brought into Canada from abroad. The new measures extend the length of the temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking to 180 days, up from 120. This extension also allows victims to apply for a work permit – an option not previously available. The new measures will also continue to allow victims of human trafficking to receive health-care benefits, including medical treatment and counselling services, under the Interim Federal Health Program…. The fees for these initial resident and work permits, which normally cost $200 and $150 each will be waived. In addition to these measures, and depending on their particular circumstances, a number of other avenues may also be pursued by possible victims of trafficking. For example, they may apply for permanent residence from within Canada through the refugee determination process, on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or, over time, as members of the permit holder class.”

Let’s Make Poverty History
Poverty continues to be at shockingly high levels in Canada. Those who are particularly affected include new immigrants, Aboriginal people, single mothers, older people and people with disabilities. However, KAIROS, in June 2007, identified some recent progress in addressing poverty in Canada and stated, “We should celebrate these successes.” Minimum wages will rise this year in eight provinces and territories (Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador). In March, Nova Scotia became the third province to commit to the development of a poverty reduction strategy. Momentum is gathering for a federal poverty reduction strategy as well.

There is the implementation of the Working Income Tax Benefit, which will provide up to $1,000 per year to low income workers. The new Ontario Child Benefit will improve the income of low wage working families and parents on social assistance in Ontario by about $600.00 per child in 2008, rising to $1,100 per child by 2011. Good news for Ontario.

The federal government’s Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities has agreed to hold public hearings on poverty this fall.

Finally, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal for the Confederation des syndicats nationaux and le Syndicat National des Employes(es) de l’Aluminium d’Arvida concerning the federal government’s use of the surplus of the Employment Insurance fund as general revenues.

KAIROS further stated, “Much work remains to be done, but these actions reflect the success of citizens and social justice advocates in putting poverty on the political agenda.” Again, League members are to be commended for their innumerable hours of work in this area “For God and Canada.” Not everyone hears the cry of the poor, only those who listen with their hearts.

Friends of St. John the Caregiver
Friends of St. John the Caregiver is an international Catholic organization that promotes care for family caregivers. We are advised that their material is free. If you would like more information, check out the following websites: www.fsjc.org; www.YourAgingParent.com; or, www.CatholicCaregivers.com.

New Horizons for Seniors
The federal government has provided funding to seniors across Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The purpose of the program is to support local projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living. Additional government seniors-focused initiatives include projects to make cities more accessible for seniors, help seniors become prepared to emergencies, prevent fall-related injuries, and develop guidelines on seniors’ mental health issues.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
“Development and Peace is raising concern about the huge numbers of people displaced by war in the world, especially in Iraq and the Darfur region of the Sudan. Numbers are currently estimated to be around 5 million displaced persons. (This is roughly equivalent to the populations of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.) Development and Peace is signalling that both efforts and funding have to be increased substantially to overcome these extreme challenges.” (www.devp.org)

May God bless you and may Our Lady of Good Counsel inspire you in your important work

“For God and Canada.” And, remember: COMMUNITY LIFE ROCKS!

Your sister in the League,

Dr. Rayleen De Luca
National Chairperson of Community Life

Wasn’t that an uplifting informative report? There is no question about it, it gave us a lot to think about and work on. Rayleen will be presenting her oral annual report to the National Convention in August. Shortly after we’ll be sharing that with you.

In the meantime read your handbook and keep up to date on issues relating to our Standing Committee. Remember that you can’t do it all so pick out something that is touching your heart and give it your best shot. Where your passion lies, there also lies your heart. You can ask for help from other members so you won’t suffer burnout. Remember that I am as close as your telephone or computer. Don’t hesitate to communicate.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel impart her special blessings upon you as you work for God and Canada through Community Life.

God Bless you all

Carol P….

Our new National Theme “Love One Another” calls us to take action for the poor and homeless people in our cities, province and country. We can show our love by taking action on Resolution 2003.1 Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians and Resolution 2004.02 Children Living in Poverty.

Write letters to provincial/territorial/federal governments urging assistance to families in abject poverty. Let our MLAs and MPs know that we expect them, our elected representatives, to do more to help homeless people and those living in poverty. There are many issues to address: the environment, welfare rates, minimum wage rates and health care.

National Legislation Chair Mary N., in her second communique, states that there are 44 government bills before the House, bills C-2 through C-45. All bills, their text, supporting speeches, and status may be reviewed on the government website.

Mary also states: “There are also 194 private members bills before the House, bills C-201 through C-395.” Once again check out the website for information. Some bills of interest because of past resolutions or closely related concerns of the League are:

• C-206 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (extension of benefit period for parental leave): concerns child and family welfare
• C-209 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (expenses incurred by caregivers)
• C-229 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act ( no GST on books or pamphlets): related to Resolution 2003.10 Tax Deduction for Post-Secondary School Textbooks
• C-276 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (literacy materials): related to Resolution 1990.09 Literacy
• C-394 An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (sponsorship of relative): Note: this bill refers to non-family class relatives, which is important in cultures where extended family is significant. The League has a long history of concern for immigrants and refugees.
• C-382 An Act to provide for secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians: related to Resolution 2003.01 Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians
• C-377 An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change: Once again, the League has a longstanding concern with environmental issues.
• C-355 An Act to establish National Ovarian Cancer Month: related to Resolution 2004.09 Ovarian Cancer”

The prime minister has made changes to his cabinet and a current list of cabinet ministers can be found by an internet search of Canadian Ministry (Cabinet) or via http://www.parl.gc.ca/.

The Liberal Party elected The Hon. Stephane Dion as leader of the party and the official opposition leader for the federal government.

The definition of marriage vote was held in December and defeated. Mary N. suggests that you check out the response by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on its website http://www.cccb.ca/.

Provincially
Health care delivery is a concern from the issue of private clinics charging for services to long waits for emergency room treatment and surgery.

Welfare rates for an individual in the province are approximately $5l0.00 per month. This amount is to provide for all living expenses, a pretty impossible task with the high cost of housing and food.

As we Walk Humbly With Our God, I believe we are called to help the helpless. Please let your elected representatives know that more needs to be done to eliminate poverty.

In closing I hope to have more time to read material relating to this committee and prepare a short and long range goal, become more familiar with using the government web site and appoint a sub-committee chair and to prepare a more meaningful communique. Please be patient with me.

Your sister in the League,
Gloria G., Provincial Chairperson of Legislation