Meeting with BC Government

TRAFFICKING OF HUMANS
Sandra Stajduhar

Trafficking of humans is the focus of resolutions 2004.05 End Trafficking of Children (http://www.cwl.ca/resolutions/2004/04-05.htm) and 2008.01 Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics (http://www.cwl.ca/resolutions/2008/2008-01.html). We are asking for a concentrated effort from all members to follow the action plans and also to pray daily for guidance as we work against the horrible crime of trafficking.

A delegation from the BC & Yukon Provincial executive met with Liberal and NDP MLA’s on March 25, 2009. A complete report of that meeting will be available after the provincial convention, but for your information and assistance in working on resolution 2008.01 we are providing in full the presentation made on human trafficking by president-elect Nancy Simms.

Nancy’s report:
“I would like to bring to your attention resolution, 08.01 Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics. Three years ago we were here and I addressed the Catholic Women’s League resolution 04.05 End Trafficking of Children. I spoke about the increasing problem of human trafficking not only in Canada, but globally. Statistics now indicate that between 700,000 to 4 million people are trafficked yearly. I do believe that within these past three years our society has come to a greater understanding of the reality of human trafficking and we in the Catholic Women’s League know and appreciate the steps the government of British Columbia has made to reduce and prevent trafficking through the opening of The Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Canada signed and in May 2002 ratified the United Nations trafficking protocol, in which trafficking in persons is defined as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.” (end quote)

The purposes of trafficking include: prostitution, entertainment industry, sweatshops, organ transplants, domestic slavery and begging for others.

Because Canada is preparing to host the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia, the global problem of human trafficking, especially at international sporting events, has been brought to the forefront. In November 2007 The Future Group, a Canadian based non-governmental organization dedicated to combating trafficking and the child sex trade, released a report, Faster, Higher, Stronger: Preventing Human Trafficking at the 2010 Olympics, which indicates a correlation between international sporting events and increased human trafficking. Two examples cited in the report are those of the 2004 Olympics in Greece and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

During the Olympics, the Greek government found that human trafficking increased by 95 per cent whereas at the soccer cup, preventive measures were used to minimize human trafficking.

The Future Group recommendations to reduce human trafficking include:

• deterring traffickers through public awareness campaigns – Which, we understand Robin Pike has announced a BC anti-trafficking public awareness campaign, inclusive with TV commercials, that will be produced later this year, and we are pleased to know this is happening.

Other recommendations are:

• deterring commercial sex users through law enforcement response
• identifying victims in transit through border controls, and
• protecting trafficked persons by arranging for housing and other assistance

The report also states that the countries that have been most effective in combating human trafficking have:

1st  adopted a clear legal framework to protect victims and prosecute offenders – Which interestingly enough, The Future Group,  gave Canada an F for its abysmal record of treating victims. Yet, we are encouraged to see that Bill S-223 has passed second reading in the senate and if it eventually receives royal assent will go a long way to correct this.

The 2nd means to combat trafficking is having countries devote sufficient financial resources to enforce laws and support victim recovery.

The 3rd  means is to demonstrate a high degree of cooperation between law enforcement, governmental agencies and non-governmental sectors -  Again, we were very encouraged to learn about the training that happened here in BC at the end of last month that educated various agencies and their employees who are coming in direct contact with trafficking victims and their perpetrators.

And the 4th means that has helped combat trafficking in countries is to have coordinated their international development efforts to deal with root causes of poverty and corruption in source countries.

To aid in achieving these goals the United Nations published a Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons. I did not print out the entire document since it is 250 pages long, but I do have the table of contents and introduction, which in part states, “It [the Toolkit] presents a selection of conceptual, legislative and organizational tools in use in different parts of the world.
The Toolkit is based on the premise that the problem of trafficking in persons, whether at the national or local level, can only be addressed effectively on the basis of comprehensive strategies that are based on human rights and that take into account the transnational nature of the problem, the many associated criminal activities, the frequent involvement of organized criminal groups and the profound pain, fear and damage suffered by the victims.” And it continues from there.
Robin Pike has stated that the BC “school system would also like a lot more information about how kids are recruited off of school grounds.”

And the Canadian Religious Conference has produced an educational kit entitled: We are a Global Village – Human Trafficking and the 2010 Olympics. Of which, I have the introduction to and an order form. This kit is designed for high school students and aims to educate them on the reality of human trafficking in all its forms and many causes so that students become actively committed to the battle against this modern day form of slavery. The kit includes a DVD, a user guide and teacher notes and can be easily adapted to other groups of people.

To conclude; with the 2010 Olympics less than a year away, it is incumbent on all levels of government to prevent human trafficking. Therefore, we The Catholic Women’s League of Canada with our membership of almost 9,500 in BC and just under 100,000 throughout Canada, commend the BC government for establishing the new Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons and encourage the continuation of sufficient funding to provide all means available to reduce and prevent human trafficking not only at the 2010 Olympics but for all time”. End of Nancy Simms report.

The Bishops of British Columbia and the Yukon have also issued a statement Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking from the Bishops of BC and the Yukon (http://www.rcav.org/ht/index.htm)

For information on Human trafficking on the BC government website (http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/octip/about.htm).

PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
Premier Gordon Campbell
PO Box 9041
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9E1

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
John van Dongen
PO Box 9053
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9E2

Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Olympics
MLA: Hon. Colin Hansen
Room 153
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4

Opposition Critic for the Olympics and Sport
MLA Harry Bains
Room 201
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4

Premier Dennis Fentie
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 1B2

Suggestion: copy letters to your own MLA

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
Mail may be sent postage-free to any Member at the following address:
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1A 0A6

MP’s:
Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism
Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport
James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and 2010 Olympics
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada
Josee Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Suggestion: copy letters to your own MP and to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Lord we give you thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. Send your Holy Spirit upon us to give us wisdom and courage as we work against the crime of human trafficking. May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us to protect and care for the victims of trafficking.  AMEN

Here we are about to celebrate Labour day, which signals the end of summer and the beginning of the beautiful season of Fall or Autumn as I know it. As children prepare to go back to school we too plan and prepare for our CWL meetings. I hope you were able to attend a convention and are feeling refreshed, re-energized and full of enthusiasm.

Welcome to second term Legislation Chairpersons from Kamloops, Prince George and Vancouver, and like myself, first term chairperson from Victoria. I notice several familiar names and look forward to receiving your communiques updating me on legislation news in your diocese.  Have you thought of sharing with the other diocesan chairpersons?   If I can be of any assistance at all please contact me.

Legislation – social justice in action.

In the executive handbook the guidelines given under this standing committee are:

• to monitor and study legislation (laws made) at all levels of government.
• the preparation of briefs and position papers on proposed legislation

How do we do this?

By monitoring both current and past resolutions when they become bills and are presented to Federal Parliament through reading the newspapers and accessing both the Federal Parliament web site and also the Legislative Assembly at  and by following Hansard at which is where the official record of motions debated and passed since 1972 in BC are listed. You can also find out what MLA’s said and how they voted.

Do you know who your Federal/Provincial Members of Parliament are?  Contact them requesting to be put on their mailing list, keeps you informed and updated.While anxiously waiting to hear the fate of Bill C-484 An Act to Amend the criminal Code of Canada (injuring or causing the death of an unborn child while committing an offence) encourage writing letters to Justice and Human Rights Standing Committee members asking them to support this bill.

Mary Nordic, outgoing legislation chair in her last communique mentions that there are currently 40 government bills and 354 private members’ bills before the House of Commons, not to mention bills before the Senate.  Reading is obviously an important factor of this committee.

Dates to note:  the House of Commons resumes on September 16th, the Senate on September 15th and BC Legislature on October 6th.

Resolutions news – five in all were adopted at the 88th national convention in Winnipeg and are posted on the national web site and will be published in the Fall issue of the League magazine, review them and follow the suggested action plans. Under the heading of  legislation standing committee is -
2008.05 Transportation Tax Credits for Rural Post-Secondary Students falls under the Legislation heading.   Education is an important element, especially in our society of today. In reading the brief it made me aware that many of us in towns and cities are not faced with this problem.

2008.01 – Preventing Human Trafficking at the 2010 Olympics was from BC & Yukon Province.   Follow the action plan even more so in regard to this resolution with the approaching Olympics being held on our doorstep.

Exciting news – Barb Dowding our past Provincial President was elected to National Council as resolutions chairperson which means we will have two voices from our Province on the National level. Congratulations Barb!

Judy Lewis from Prince Edward Island is the new national legislation chairperson.  I look forward to receiving her communique in the near future.

As a League member concerned about social justice, has your voice been heard?  We can make our voices heard, loud and clear by stepping forward ‘in faith and action’.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel bless and guide us as we continue our work for God and Canada.

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!

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

I hope you have all had a good Lent and I pray that this Holy Week will be particularly prayerful for you. It is such a hopeful time of year with the longer, lighter days and Easter’s promise upon us!

But first, special congratulations to the Nelson Diocese on the appointment of their new Bishop, John Corriveau, ofm. This will be an exciting time for your diocese and for Bishop Corriveau too as he begins to see how wonderful the CWL is! Bishop Cooney is in our prayers too for his many years of support and service.

Annual reports

Next, thanks to everyone for the great annual reports and on time too. It makes my job so much easier as I try to pull them all together for my president’s report to National. I look forward to seeing a variation of all those statistics and interesting tidbits in our annual convention book.

Government Meeting

We had an interesting and productive meeting on March 5 with both the NDP and members of the Liberal Caucus. Sheila Quinn, Pat Battensby and I were pleased to present a number of resolutions and recommendations. We had good feedback and questions on human trafficking, elder abuse in care homes, banning the use of cell phones in cars and the issue around legalizing brothels among other things. More than once we were referred to as ‘the conscience’ for the politicians that needs to be heard. It was a compliment and made us even more determined to continue to meet as often as we can. One NDP member suggested we take our resolution and ideas regarding the 2010 games and the issue of prostitution/brothels to Colin Hansen. She agreed to assist in getting an appointment if we had trouble.

Knights of Columbus

We’ve had some good dialogue with the State Deputy, Dan O’Hara as they work on a resolution re prostitution and we will continue to work together on this. Bishop Monroe has been a driving force and I believe this is the type of collaboration we need, as Catholic men and women. The Knights are also planning a March for Life in Victoria on May 8 as well as a day of Adoration for the success of the Eucharistic Congress. Watch for more details and let’s try to support these events.

Conventions

Before you know it we’ll be full on into convention mode. Diocesan Presidents have been planning and preparing for months now and from what I can see all the dioceses are going to have interesting and productive meetings. With elections in the offing for some dioceses and provincial, as well as national nominations to come, it should be lots of fun!

Diocesan

This year’s workshop will focus on Communications. There are many facets to successful and efficient communication in all areas of our lives. Look for a workshop that will help with conflict resolution, media savvy and even some tips on effective reporting. I also hope you are planning to celebrate membership goals/achievements in some way.

Provincial

National President, Lorette Noble will be our featured guest and presenter. Lorette is always a delight and we are looking forward to what pearls of wisdom she will bring. The planning committee from the Kamloops diocese has been working hard with the local council in Williams Lake. Suffice to say you will be Taught, Evangelized, Animated and Motivated over the course of our time together. In particular Fr. Brock will bring Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to us as only he can and we look forward to this special time with him as he prepares to pass the torch as our beloved Spiritual Advisor. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control (a Ukrainian Cardinal, no less!), most of our Bishops will not be able to come to Williams Lake. This has meant a bit of readjustment re the agenda but you can be sure we won’t have trouble filling it.

Provincial executive

Please be sure to book your accommodations and get your flights as soon as possible. Also if possible to bring your Standing Committee Chairperson’s box to exchange and be prepared to stay for the post convention meeting.

National

Just a reminder about the WUCWO Regional meeting and the fact that registration for that is included with your National registration. All the information you need is in the League Magazine. This would be a great convention to get to and Winnipeg isn’t that far!

Conference on women

You will recall at our meeting in January that I was preparing to attend the conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Feb 6-10 in Rome. It was an awesome experience to say the least. I’ve written a short article for the League Magazine and our newsletter but there is still so much to synthesize. More than 150 delegates participated from 47 countries and even more ecclesial movements including the Catholic Women’s League to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, “Mulieris Dignitatem.” Over the three days, we were reminded about the unique vocation we have as women to safeguard humanity and bring about peace. I learned about a ‘maternal church’ that I understood to mean a church with a motherly and tender focus that would enable people to acquire new freedoms proper to Christianity, to appreciate the value of relationships and to rediscover different experiences of culture. This conference instilled in us the desire to support, affirm and teach our women where they live and work of the important issues, to instill the belief and conviction of what we have and hold as Catholic women and to convince our sisters that they (we) hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. During our audience with Pope Benedict, he said: “it is necessary to enable the women to collaborate in the building of society, appreciating her feminine genius.”

Leadership workshop in Kamloops

From Rome via London to Kamloops! The leadership workshop was extremely well received and Marilyn did a great job in presenting this with me. More on the workshops later!

National Spring Meeting

February 29 – March 2. And then to Montreal – what a month! The meeting was interesting and lively as always. It was special for me in that it was my last one, already! The tradition at those meetings is that the outgoing presidents do a skit or song to honour the others and the time spent together. As well, the presidents who are staying for another term do something special for those of us who are leaving. It was really something to see. You would be so proud of this group of women who support and affirm one another in prayer and song and fun!

I’ve attached a report of the basic business from my notes. Some things that should interest us all include:

• Resolutions process. Diocesan and Provincial resolutions committees will have to be well prepared in dealing with the new criteria. Diocesan presidents, please be sure you are clear what’s being asked. We don’t want any of our resolutions to be rejected on the basis of not following the guidelines – that would be a terrible situation for those who have worked so hard. If you need any help or clarification prior to your conventions, please contact Sheila directly.
• Forms for reported deceased members will be changed as well as the process – watch for it!
• Criteria for the National Development fund is likely to change as well as the forms. If you are planning to apply, don’t wait too long.
• Membership for BC & Yukon is up again – this time we are one of five provinces with increases – well done! Inching ever closer to our 10,000 if we are to catch the Knights….

And lastly, thank you to Pat Battensby for her good work on the Nominations Committee. It is a huge job. Thank you to those of you who so generously agreed to let your names stand. Special thanks also if you could not. I know there are so many extenuating circumstances that influence our lives and our decisions. Suffice to say, if and when things change for you, I hope you will consider offering your services in some way that suits your situation. We are always looking to share the load; sub committees need chairs; chairpersons need mentors. Should you be called upon to help, I hope you will be able to give consideration and say ‘here I am Lord, use me!’ Whatever you can do or not, your prayers are welcome as we too will continue to pray for you. Our families are our priority and as sisters we will always support one another.

It’s been a busy few months and looks pretty hectic ahead. Let’s pray for peace, in our hearts first and in our homes and families. I was privileged tonight to attend a Mass in celebration of the life of Chiara Lubich, the foundress of the Focolare Movement who died last Friday. The meditation that she wrote in 1976 could have been written today – it was on love and peace, that all may be one. Pope Benedict sent a telegram in which he said: “I thank the Lord for the witness of her life, spent in listening to the needs of modern man in complete faithfulness to the Church and to the Pope.” May she rest in peace.

Happy Easter!

Greetings,

Now that clocks have sprung forward next comes March 20th which heralds the first day of Spring, a time of spiritual awakening, a time of new life, trees blossoming, flowers starting to bloom, baby goats and little lambs frolicking around and hopefully sunshine and warmth.

Spring is also the time we think, plan and look forward to our diocesan conventions, a time of learning, sharing and meeting new and longtime League sisters…

Congratulations and thanks to the six diocesan resolutions chairs for their annual reports!

Exciting news – to date two dioceses are currently working on several proposed resolutions, a combined total of eleven.

The following guidelines must be adhered to:

1. resolutions are accepted by a majority vote at diocesan conventions
2. checklist for Reviewing Proposed Resolutions, one checklist must accompany each resolution
3. one copy by e-mail in ‘Word’ format
4. a hard copy by snail mail
5. official letter of adoption by a majority vote at diocesan convention
6. a one page brief
7. Parenthetical reference
8. Have a broad spectrum of backup material, not just from one source and certainly not only from newspaper clippings and Wikipedia, go back to the original source
9. Action plan suggests effective things that all members can do to act on resolutions

Please note – resolutions to forwarded to me as soon as possible after your diocesan conventions and no later than Monday, May 12th.

Betty Anne Brown, National Resolutions Chair states in her recent communique that:

Draft the Bridging Clauses has been inserted into the National Manual of Policy and Procedures, Appendix1, page A1-5 (which I previously sent as an attachment to you) in the hope that it will help to avoid disappointment from having resolutions submitted that really do not belong at the national level.

Perhaps some issues could be strictly provincial in nature, or they may only require education or study by a standing committee. Please make sure you have this Appendix, and checklist, if not contact me. It is important that councils preparing resolutions are aware of the new guidelines.

Provincial council is given the responsibility to decide where to direct the resolution.

Government Meeting

On March 5th the Provincial delegation had a very successful meeting with both the Liberal and NDP caucus members to present, discuss and answer questions on our resolutions, a more detailed report will be given at a later date. Your prayers were very much appreciated.

No doubt you are all aware of the good news – Bill C2 Age of Consent has been raised from fourteen to sixteen. Letters, e-mails, phone calls and prayers have made a difference. This shows how important it is to follow the action plans suggested on resolutions not yet resolved.

Continue letting your fingers be your voice through letters and e-mails, stating your concerns and please encourage parish council to do likewise. There is strength in numbers! Most importantly don’t forget to -

P ray

U til

S omething

H appens

Last year at provincial convention I had the opportunity to meet a few diocesan resolution chairpersons, this year at Williams Lake I hope to connect more names to faces.

May your Holy Week be one of prayer and reflection as you companion Jesus on his last journey and may Easter be a time of peace and blessings.

Your League Sister,

Sheila

An Irish blessing in honour of St. Patrick -

May good St. Patrick bless you

And keep you in his care

And may Our Lord be near you

To answer every prayer.

Greetings,

During Advent let us try to set aside time from our busy lives to pray, reflect and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord.

Resolutions 2007.02 Global accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies The D & P card given out in parishes recently asking that we sign and send to the Prime Minister is a great way to show further support for this resolution and D & P. I sent a copy of this resolution to the Social Justice co-ordinator in my diocese, please consider forwarding it to the contact person in your diocese mentioning that it will be including in the resolutions presented when both national and provincial levels of the League meet with Federal and Provincial governments.

All 3 resolutions passed at Montreal national convention appeared in the fall issue of the League magazine and it is important that members follow the suggested action plan not only on these three but also on previous resolutions which can be found on the national web-site www.cwl.ca. One suggestion for council resolutions chairpersons could be to set a goal of getting members at meetings to follow action on at least one resolution a month. Action speaks louder than words!

Now to proposed resolutions for 2008, titles only from your diocese should be submitted to me by January 31 in order for me to forward them to my national counterpart Betty Anne Brown. Please remind parish councils they can still be working on and perfecting their resolutions which hopefully meet the criteria for acceptance by diocesan resolutions committee before being presented on the convention floor and don’t forget to offer assistance if needed.

Can we reach my goal – at least one resolution from each diocese?
Yes, we can by encouraging councils to air their voices on the many issues and concerns we feel strongly about in the form of a resolution.

Environmental news – Paper or plastic? Recent articles in papers and magazines state the good news that some grocery stores offer plastic bags that are bio-gradeable also provide recycling bins for returning plastic bags which are recycled into plastic siding for new home construction as well as offering 3 cents for each bag returned. Another grocery chain is the first major grocery retailer in BC to go plastic-bag free, they sent householders in the area reusable bags made from 85% recycled water bottles, while yet another chain store has a program “Bags fund trees” the 5 cents charge on single use bags are donated to Trees Canada to fund tree planting. All of this helps reduce the number dumped in landfills by a billion a year. You will have noticed as you Christmas shop that many stores have displays with their material bags for sale. Check with stores you shop at, commend them if they are doing something positive for the environment and if not make a suggestion for them to consider.

On that note I wonder how many councils/parishes have discontinued the use of styrofoam cups and plates, perhaps you could check in your diocese and send me numbers of councils who have.

National President, Lorette Noble wrote to Prime Minister Harper expressing disappointment re Bill C22 after reaching the 2nd reading. This is now Bill C2 and is included with a number of other bills and name changed back to “age of consent”.

Some new guidelines for resolutions will be coming from national regarding submissions of resolutions which will be forwarded to you as soon as I receive them.

The League’s national delegation meeting with the government was hopefully to take place late November, news of this will be shared when available.

Exciting news flash! A date has been set in March for our Provincial CWL delegates to meet with both the Liberal and NDP caucus in Victoria to address and discuss League resolutions.

Hopefully your mail box will be full of parish annual reports by Dec 15th !

As we await the coming of the Christ Child let us give thanks to God for our many blessings. May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you and your families and may 2008 be one of good health, happiness and loving one another.

From your sister in the League,
Sheila

Dear Sisters in the League,

Now that we are into the Advent season it is my prayer that each of us will take time out of our daily busyness to remember the hope, love and joy with which Advent bestows on us.

“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” Is. 122

Bioethics: I recently received the below email from our past national president Marie Cameron and found the recommended website to be an excellent source of information on bioethics and the church’s position on these crucial issues.

“This was sent to me from one of my CWL friends and I am forwarding it as I find his articles very informative. Fr. Tad was here in Calgary at St. Mary’s University College this weekend for some seminars. Marie

Fr Tad is a respected and well known US expert ( Ph.D at Yale and post doctoral work at Harvard) on bioethics and an advisor to the American Catholic Bishops. He writes weekly on Bioethics issues. His writing is absolutely consistent with the magisterium of the Catholic Church and is a good source of formation for you and for me on these very topical and important issues That’s why I am sending you his website. Please read some of his articles. They are short and clear. http://www.ncbcenter.org/makingsense.asp

In case you want to know more type Father Tad Pacholczyk into Google.com,  you will get quite a bit to read.”

Ministry of Education: At our provincial fall executive meeting we discussed the fact that the ministry of education will from now on be informing the provincial Education & Health Chairperson on any curriculum that is up for review and requesting possible feedback on each curriculum. It was decided that it would be too extensive a job for the provincial chairperson to review and respond to all curriculum drafts. Therefore, when I receive notice of a new draft up for review I will immediately pass the information on to all diocesan Education & Health Chairpersons who in turn should contact their Catholic School Superintendent requesting if they have been informed of the draft and for any feedback they may have. If the Superintendents see areas in the curriculum that we as a League need to be addressing to the Ministry, the diocesan chairpersons should then be informing me as the provincial chairperson so that I can inform all members of BC/Yukon to take the appropriate action.

I just received the below email late last week. I know that the deadline for feedback does not give us much time, but let’s do what we can.

“To Education Stakeholders:

The British Columbia Ministry of Education has posted two draft Daily Physical Activity documents for public review and response.

The Draft Program Guide for Daily Physical Activity: Kindergarten to Grade 9 and the Draft Daily Physical Activity Resource: Kindergarten to Grade 9 are available on the following Ministry of Education web site:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/drafts/welcome.htm

The Ministry of Education is interested in receiving feedback on these drafts from education and community partners. Please feel free to share this link with anyone you feel would be interested in providing feedback. Feedback can be provided to the Ministry of Education by printing the Response Forms, completing them and then faxing them to the location listed at the bottom of the form. The Response Forms can be used for either individual or group feedback.

Please complete the Response Forms and mail or fax them BEFORE January 15, 2008

To: Daily Physical Activity Project
Ministry of Education
PO Box 9183 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9H9

Fax: (250) 356-2316

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DOCUMENTS.

Thank you.”

Social Justice 12 Curriculum: Thank you to all members that worked so hard to review this curriculum and let their voices be heard. I believe the resounding concern for all members is to continue to find the balance in society to respect our neighbours while still upholding our values that are rooted in Gods Word.

Bursaries: Encourage members to apply for both the Molly Boucher Bursary (deadline for application forms to be mailed to me is March 31/08) and the National Bursary (deadline application forms to be mailed to national office is May 31/08). Both application forms can be obtained on their respective websites. Let’s encourage our members to apply!

Annual Reports: Diocesan Chairpersons you should now be receiving annual reports from all parish councils. I would strongly recommend that if you have not received reports from all councils by the 15^th of this month to just call the parish in which you have not received and give them a gentle reminder. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make 2007 the year of 100% reporting??

Reading Group: Did you know that there is a program on our national CWL website that is a guide to starting a reading group in your council as a method of spiritual education and personal growth? Check it out and start one in your council!!!

December is The Christmas Seal Campaign: Over 3 million Canadians cope with one of five serious respiratory diseases – asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and cystic fibrosis. These and other respiratory diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, respiratory distress syndrome and sleep apnea affect individuals of all ages, cultures and backgrounds – from children to parents to grandparents.

National Communique: I have enclosed Judy Lewis’ last communique. Please read and take the suggested action on resolution 07.03 Hospice Palliative Care: An Integral Component of the Canadian Health Care System and on the three proposed resolutions. Judy also has some interesting information on MaterCare which reminds us to continue in our efforts to help this worthwhile cause.

May you have a holy Advent season and a blessed Christmas as you continue your work for God and Canada.

Nancy S….

The provincial delegation of Marilyn V………, Nancy S…., Gloria G……., and myself arrived at BC Legislative Building for the March pre-arranged meetings.

We checked in, obtained security passes, proceeded to the first meeting with members of the New Democratic Party, the critic for health, critic for mental health and critic for the environment.

Booklets with the 2006 resolutions were given to them in order to follow our presentation. After introductions resolutions addressed were – 06.01 Religious Freedom, 06.02 Legal Protection for All Those who Object to the Solemnization of Civil Marriage for Same-Sex Partners, 06.03 GST Exemption on funeral Services and 06.04 Renewable Energy.

They appeared interested, asked questions and made a few comments. The environment critic pointed out that Canadians are among the highest consumers of energy in the world and suggested we encourage our members to start conserving energy by turning off unnecessary electric devices in our homes. The one hour allotted for our meeting was up, we took our leave feeling things had gone well, quickly made our way to our next meeting where we were greeted by the Liberal Caucus Co-ordinator who distributed our booklets.

Randy Hawes, Caucus Whip introduced us and in my intro I pointed out while most of the resolutions were directed to the Federal Government for action we were asking for their support in addressing these issues.

Nancy began with Religous Freedom. The question to this “did we feel the ladies had the right to wear veils”, our reply was YES they should as their religion dictates. Nancy also referred to “banning the use of styrofoam” and commended the government for not using disposable dishes in the building.

As Legal Protection etc was being addressed by Marilyn, one member voiced a strong objection to this “disgusting” resolution and stormed out. Another member added her objection and also left the room.

The rudeness left us a little shaken, however after a moment or two we regained our composure and continued with Increase in Old Age Security which Gloria spoke to tying it in with the need for more low-income housing for seniors being offered by provincial government.

I followed with Renewable Energy – response was, commitments regarding seniors and the environment were given in the Throne and Budget Speech also that BC is working closely with California on environmental issues.

The Caucus Whip commented on 06.05 GST Exemption on funeral expenses stating that “the tax exempt would have to be on a base level only and in regard to 06.06 Labelling and Disposal on Pest Control Products that pesticides in Delta and Richmond leak into ditches, bugs caught with nets are tested and the US uses a lot more than we in Canada do.

Having a little time left allowed us to touch briefly on global warning, poverty and pornography. We were informed that a document entitled “Child Safety Act” has been developed but has hit several political roadblocks, suggestion made that the CWL might consider writing a resolution regarding this issue. Several members thanked and complimented us for an interesting presentation then posed for pictures.

Reports of our next two meetings will be given by Nancy and Marilyn.

Next it was time to go to the spectators gallery where we were introduced to the house by Marilyn’s brother-in-law the Hon John van Dongen, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations. Issues debated during question period were interesting, lively, and somewhat noisy At one point the speaker couldn’t control them. Dare we suggest the “bell” or card system?

Our day finished with a visit to Hon John van Dongen’s office who shared with us what a day in the life of an MLA entails. He said how impressed he was in what we had accomplished in a day and highly recommended Judith Reid’s book “The Effective Advocate”. Judith was a speaker at a Provincial convention in Vancouver.

Back at the hotel over coffee, all agreed the day, while busy, had been exciting, productive and a learning experience. All four of us wore our Maple Leaf Service pins to show proud how we were to be members of the Catholic Women’s League representing our Province in presenting your concerns in the form of resolutions.

Let us continue to make our voices heard through Resolutions!

Respectfully Submitted.

Sheila Q…..

Good Morning ladies and clergy.

In November of 2006 we as the provincial council of BC/Yukon with approximately 9,000 members sent Ms. Shirley Bond, Minister of Education a letter of concern regarding the ministries agreement with two private citizens, Peter and Murray Corren. Whereby, the media had informed us that this agreement gave the Corren’s unprecedented input into the development of new curriculum for our provinces schools.

After arriving in the new year of 2007 and still not receiving a response from the ministry I began making further inquires to the ministry in regards to our concerns and eventually spoke with Mr. Pierre Gilbert, Manager of Content & Achievement Standards Unit. Mr. Gilbert was extremely informative as to what actually took place with this agreement and since I was again honoured this year to be part of the delegation that met with our provincial government this spring, I asked him if he could meet with us at that time, which he was most happy to do. At that meeting he reviewed with us the Settlement Agreement with the Corren’s, the draft of the new Social Justice 12 course, the Health and Career Education Curriculum and the Guidelines for Internal Ministry Review of Draft Curriculum. From this we learnt that the BC Ministry of Education adamantly will not to promote any one lifestyle, yet continues to try teaching tolerance and reducing bullying that is so prominent with our youth. He also informed us that the ministry has a web site for public review and response for new curriculum being developed and/or reviewed for changes.

At the end of our meeting Mr. Gilbert requested my email address as a contact person for the provincial council and assured us that every time a curriculum comes up for review we will be notified and our input will be taken into account. The end result of this meeting is that what took the Corren’s three years of legal battle we accomplished in our one hour meeting.

I would also like to bring to your attention the brochures on your tables regarding stem cells. This brochure is produced by Catholic Organization for Life & Family and is a wealth of information on what stem cells are, what they can do for us and the churches stand on this issue. Please take a copy, read it and share it with others. But, we do have a limited number of copies so if you will not read it please do not take one.

Lastly, I would just like to share with you my goal for this coming year as Education & Health Chairperson and I would like to send out an invitation for anyone interested to help me achieve this goal. And that is, to learn all I can about mental health and develop a resolution to help our country to view this issue with a new and clearer understanding.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel Guide us as we continue our work for God and Canada.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy S…..

Greetings and Happy Valentine’s Day,

As we “Walk Humbly With our God” let us “Love One Another” by continuing to take action on resolutions such as those related to on-going major concerns such as trafficking of women and children, poverty, homelessness to name a few. Many other important issues are stated in previous resolutions and can be found on the League website – click on resolutions and follow the suggested action plan. Encourage parish councils to study one resolution at each meeting, then write letters or arrange another day for coffee and letter writing. What makes a resolution worthwhile? The action – one phone call, one letter!!!

In a recent communique from Betty Anne B. she mentions that the new Criteria for Acceptance of Resolutions will be distributed to parish councils in the spring of 2007 as part of the National Manual Policy & Procedure update. Another suggestion to follow as you work on resolutions is – be focussed, use simple language, define the key message and communicate in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

The current issue of The Canadian League magazine has a report on the meeting with the federal government officials and I am sure you will agree our voices are being heard! Education/action on Sleep Apnea is also featured, Banning the use of Styrofoam was in a previous issue, both were submitted from our Province. This is a great way of reaching all League members inviting them to take action.

The environment issue dominates Parliament these days and continues to be a major concern to all Canadians. The recent announcement of $1.5 million being designated for renewable energy is one step forward, this is an opportunity for League members to commend the federal government either by e-mail or snail mail.

In yesterdays throne speech the primary topic was climate change and, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while health care issues took a back seat. Prime Minister Campbell said that they, the government, are depending on citizens to reach their goal – the green plan. Together let us make a huge effort towards making this plan a reality and to diligently follow the progress made by the government. He also mentioned that homelessness and poverty are unacceptable to the government and according to several previous resolutions presented by the League we affirm these priorities and hopefully we will see positive action soon, not just talk!

“An Inconvenient Truth” documentary by Al Gore on global warning originally aired in May 2006 is well worth watching. It is available on DVD and one church in my area is having a showing and a guest speaker who will address any questions.

Bill C-22 Sexual Consent recently received a second reading and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Should an election be called this bill will not proceed any further.

It is important that you share your communiques with me to keep me “in the loop”, thank you to the chairpersons who have already shared.

As our delegation prepares to meet with the government on Wednesday, 28th March please pray for us and the success of our meeting.

Lent – more fervent in prayer, more generous in works of charity, more eager in celebrating the mysteries by which we are reborn. A powerful message taken from the cover of a retreat book.

Your Sister in the League,
Sheila

Dear Sisters in the League,

Numerous items of information have been brought to my attention recently and I hope I am not giving information overload in this communique, but I feel it is all very important to get out to you. Just try and work on as much as you can. Through prayer and Gods help we will accomplish His work!

Communiques: Just a reminder for all my diocesan counterparts. Each of you should be sharing your communiques with each other and myself. Sharing your communiques creates an atmosphere of communication and the sharing of ideas throughout our province. Unfortunately, I have received very little communication from any of you and would love to know what each of you are working on in your diocese.

Scholarships and Bursaries: The deadline for the provincial Molly Boucher Bursary is March 31, 2007. The application form must be sent to me no later. For almost 9,000 members within BC & Yukon, I have to date not received a very strong response for this bursary. Have you reminded the members of your diocese of the availability of this bursary? The deadline for the national bursary to be sent to the national office is May 31st. Let’s get the word out there!

Update on Provincial letter regarding Correns & BC Ministry of Education: The provincial council of the CWL has yet to receive a response from the office of the Ministry of Education regarding the letter that was sent on November 15, 2006. I have been and will continue to actively pursue a response and will inform you if and when we receive any information.

There is a Ministry of Education survey that BC residents are being invited to complete concerning various curriculum revisions. You can obtain this survey at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/drafts/ and then click on the Social Studies program. I strongly suggest that you complete this survey, although I completed it last night and found there are some obviously slanted questions that have to be carefully thought out before answering.

BC Parents and Teachers For Life Annual General Meeting: Will be held on April 21, 2007 @10:30 a.m. at ABC Country Restaurant in South Surrey at 2160 King George Highway. All are invited.

HPV Vaccine: On Jan. 30, 2007 the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) issued a statement recommending use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Canada. It recommends for greatest efficacy to be given to girls as young as 9 years of age (because at this age most girls are not yet sexually active) and, after sexual activity has begun, up to 26 years. It states that it is the only vaccine uniquely designed to prevent cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer as well as genital warts, and was approved by Health Canada last summer. For more information you can log onto www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2007/30/c2810.html. Although, we must be careful that as Catholics we do not fall into the trappings of the culture of sexual promiscuity by promoting for our children to be vaccinated to protect themselves from many diseases that can be prevented through chastity and monogamous marriages.

Immunizations: Immunizations provide the best possible protection against some very serious diseases. Unfortunately, many viral vaccines commonly used in Canada, and around the world, were developed from cell lines from the tissue of aborted fetuses. A list of some of these ethically tainted vaccines is available here (PDF).

Although, we do have options! Legally approved and effective vaccines are available which have been created from sources other than abortion-derived fetal cell lines. Specifically the infant vaccine Pediacel (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus B), which is currently being used in the UK and other nations, does not derive from fetal tissue. Unfortunately, it is not being used in Canada. Rather the government funded vaccine used for these same diseases is Pentacel which is partly derived using a cell line created from aborted fetal tissue. Aside from the ethical reason for making Pediacel available, there is also a very practical one: It is critical for the public good that there should always be two sources for all vaccines in Canada. If one company shuts down, or has a problem with supply, there is an alternative to meet the needs of Canadians. Let our health minister know that the government should provide an alternative to Pentacel. Specifically, that Pediacel, or an equivalent ethical alternative, should be available in the publicly funded regular childhood vaccination programs in our province.

Use of Embryos in Research: Please encourage all members and councils to write, email or call all organizations they support to inquire if the organization uses embryos for its research. As Judy L., national education & health chairperson states, “As Catholics we cannot support embryonic research because it destroys life.” Since many organizations are doing invaluable work, we can specifically ask that our donations do not support the research aspect or find alternatives to assist those suffering from the illness.

MaterCare International: This is an easy and effective way to help women around the globe. To donate your AirMiles to MaterCare contact: Theresa Winchester, R.R. 1, 377 Lake Range Rd., Kincardine, ON N2Z 2X3 or call her at (519) 395-4079 to get more cards. MaterCare can no longer give out the home-made cards – you must use the swipe cards – but that doesn’t prevent a donor from simply giving the League’s AirMiles number (8007 7296378) when asked for the number. This program is working extremely well and is a very real asset for MaterCare in terms of reduced travel costs. Here are some additional ways to maximize AirMiles donations:

• Check out the website (www.airmiles.ca) and see where AirMiles are given in your province.
• You can set up your HBC Rewards points to automatically convert to AirMiles, then give the AirMiles number so you make a donation every time you shop at Zellers, the Bay or Home Outfitters.
• Give friends a MaterCare collector card as a gift, particularly for their grocery purchases – this is where the majority of AirMiles donations comes from.
• Once a day, click on www.matercare.org, than click on Donate, then on Lifesaver to assist women in developing countries for free.

Breast Cancer: An easy way to help provide free mammograms for women who cannot afford the test is to once a day click on www.thebreastcancersite.com.

February is Heart & Stroke Month: The Heart & Stroke Foundation is always looking for help to canvass in this month. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping with a little exercise and to meet your neighbors (I volunteer every year). If you are unable to canvass please remember someone will be knocking at your door this month – please be generous!

Again, I am so sorry that I have given you such an overload of information, but I felt it was all very important to get out to our members. Our work within this standing committee is extensive and I have much more that I would love to share with you but these will wait till the next communique.

May you continue to keep yourselves educated and stay healthy! God Bless you in your work for God and Canada.

Nancy S.
Provincial Education & Health Chairperson

The Hon. Shirley Bond
Minister of Education
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Minister Bond,

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values. One of the eight objects of our League is “to contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace, and harmony.”

The settlement agreement between the BC Ministry of Education and two private citizens (Murray Corren and Peter Corren) has given them an unprecedented role in influencing provincial curriculum development in all subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This settlement agreement has the potential to denigrate the legally protected moral and religious beliefs of parents and children.

Therefore the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, representing nearly 9,000 members and their families, urges the BC Ministry of Education to continue in its history of acknowledging religious freedom, social justice, peace, and harmony by allowing parents of children in the public school system the right to educate children in conformity with their moral and religious convictions. This right can be affirmed by allowing parents to use the alternate delivery option in areas of the curriculum that conflict with their moral and religious convictions.

I will be in Victoria for meetings with the Provincial Government on March 28 and I am very much looking forward to that. It would be a good opportunity to meet with you as well should your schedule permit.

Sincerely,

Barbara Dowding
CWL BC/YK Provincial President