EDITOR'S COMMENTS - National Council of Women of Canada
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The newsletter
SPRING edition - JUNE 2020
EDITOR’S COMMENTS
Welcome to our fourth quarter edition of The NCWC Newsletter! First of all, my sincere apologies
for the delay in getting out our last newsletter for the year. COVID-19, some late submissions, as
well as my own personal issues, are the main reasons for the delay. However, this edition is well
worth the wait as we have received great articles for your pleasure. I hope you will enjoy reading
them while relaxing in this on-going period of isolation and confinement. Our contributors always
do us proud and it is, in my opinion, another terrific read!
Some highlights:
President Patricia Leson begins by telling us about the positive impact of COVID-19 and gives us
a great deal of encouragement to help us face the months ahead. On page 8, Patricia explains
what we will be doing for our upcoming AGM postponed to the fall.
Past President Sandra Cohen-Rose offers some good ideas on how we could rethink the future
for a healthier society and planet due to the coronavirus. On page 4, Sandra shares information
about the impact of the pandemic on Montreal and Quebec and the importance of reflecting on
our future post COVID-19.
We have news from some of our Local and Provincial Councils that will cheer us up during these
difficult days. On page 14, you will find a link to the website of the Toronto & Area Council of
Women to read all about their latest news.
Gracia Janes reminds us about NCWC’s role in past environmental issues. This article will make
us feel proud to remember these achievements and confirm why our organization’s voice must
continue to influence government in all matters affecting women and families in our society.
Jane Cowell’s article is a reminder about the extension for submissions and she asks us to spend
some of this time confined at home reflecting on good resolutions for 2021!
Karen Dempsey talks about our Facebook page and she would like us to visit it more often to let
us know what you think about the issues in our communities and society.
Our Standing Study Committee Convenors have written very interesting and informative articles
and are all must reads! Randi Su Gage has written a fascinating article about the Prayer/Jingle
Dress Dance by the northern Ojibway Nation. Beryl Matthewson reports on the response by
British Columbia to the restrictions and surgery postponements due to COVID-19. Sheila Pepper
talks about the difficulties being experienced by seniors, especially in seniors’ homes, and by
working class families who are struggling to take care of their daily needs. Kelly-Ann Stevenson
informs us about the various roles of women and how we are being impacted by the pandemic.
She reminds us of the importance of bringing the issues to the attention of all governments to
ensure they design policies to support the thousands who are not able to meet basic needs. As
Kelly-Ann says, this is, in fact, an opportunity to lay groundwork for more gender equality to
ensure an inclusive future.
The Canadian Council of Muslim Women have provided us with two touching and relevant stories
which we can all relate to. Take a few moments to learn more about CCMW by visiting their
website. Also, read wonderful announcements about our members on pages 14-15!
Lastly, we appreciate all donations to support our projects and our organization. Both the NCWC
Education Fund and the Development Organization would be very grateful for your support.
Stay well and stay safe!
Beverley Colquhoun, Editor, The NCWC Newsletter
editornewsletter@ncwcanada.com, www.ncwcanada.com NOTE: Browse our website. Learn
about our Board & Convenors, and read the sections on Policy, Calendar, Members, etc.
June 2020
Volume 20, Issue 2
The N C W C Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It has been a little over two months since the COVID-19 crisis affected
Canadians physically, economically, and emotionally in every walk of life
and at every age. As the curve begins to flatten throughout the
provinces, we note the changes that reflect the encouraging prospect
that our country is slowly reopening and recovering. As we cautiously Patricia Leson
watch and wait, we are all left wondering, “When will we get back to
normal?” While we cannot be certain what the ‘new normal’ will be, we NCWC has worked for
are cognizant that it certainly will not be the same as it was. 127 years to improve
the quality of life for women,
Historically, many of Canada’s provincial and federal policies have been their families and communities
shaped by crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic once again left our www.ncwcanada.com
governments grappling with a myriad of social and economic concerns www.facebook.com/thencwc
that demanded immediate action. Emergency financial aid was made presncwc@gmail.com
available to those most impacted by the quarantine measures, wages for
ATTENTION
essential workers were increased, and Canada committed more than a
NEXT ISSUE: October 1, 2020
billion dollars to develop the COVID-19 vaccines, medicines, and
diagnostic tests that we all need. SUBMISSIONS: September 15
NOTE: click links and photos
Canadians are now looking to the future with a renewed sense of
optimism and hope. A vast majority of us want an ambitious recovery
DISTRIBUTE
with a firm focus on enhancing community resilience that enables and The NCWC Newsletter to
supports initiatives that will lead to a better future for all of us. Women’s YOUR MEMBERS.
organizations must be centrally involved in the national planning Spread the news!
processes as the country moves out of pandemic mode and into our new
revitalized future. INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Message from the President……..…….1-2
Lessons are emerging from our reactions to the pandemic, and we must
Coronavirus—Rethinking the Future….2
be diligent in ensuring positive outcomes from them. Lockdowns, social
NCWC Education Fund/NCWCDO……....3
distancing, and other restrictions left millions of women and girls
Local Women’s Councils.……...……….4-6
vulnerable to a growing shadow pandemic of domestic violence,
Provincial Women’s Councils…………....6
cyberviolence, and exploitive grooming of children. Unfortunately, this is
Board of Directors………………...……...7-8
exactly when the federal government chose to discontinue funding for
NCWC AGM 2020 Update…..………...…8
some organizations that work with these people. This article from the
Resolutions 2020 UPDATE…..………....8
Globe and Mail was very distressing https://www.theglobeandmail.com/
Administrative Committees……………...9
politics/article-organizations-that-help-sexually-exploited-women-girls-
Standing Study Committees………..10-12
say-ottawa/?utm_medium=Referrer:+Social+Network+/
Nationally-Organized Societies………..13
+Media&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links We have a
Other Announcements………...…...…...14
resolution coming up for debate on the ‘Eliminating the Commodification
Topics of Interest: Publications by
of Women and Girls’ and an update on a previous resolution ‘Missing NCWC Members…………………………….15
and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ that will hopefully refocus Attention / Submission Deadline……..16
federal attention on this very important issue. ...cont’d on page 2
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT habits can change rapidly. Rather
...cont’d from page 1 than going back to the ‘normal,’ let us
Another lesson we must take to heart is the embrace a different kind of society.
ongoing concern regarding long term care (LTC). After ten weeks of lockdown with
While this was most notably evident in Quebec, reduced consumption of goods and
other provinces have also been facing the similar services, our environment is cleaner.
challenges of staff shortages and long waiting lists. We can clearly see the mountains in
Even though the care required by those assessed
Sandra Cohen-Rose the distance and the stars at night.
as needing LTC is clearly medically necessary, Health Canada estimates that air pollution causes
LTC facilities are not covered under the Canada 14,600 premature deaths in this country every
Health Act. Governments must make a real year. Air pollution increases the odds of dying from
commitment to phasing out private for-profit elder COVID-19. An increase in particulate matter of a
care and expanding our public health care system one microgram per cubic metre raises the chances
to encompass continuing care services, including of death from COVID-9 by 15%.
all residential and home-based forms of elder care.
Reforming our long-term care policies involves A 2019 report from the sustainability-focused
discussions about federalism and funding World Resources Institute (WRI) says food waste
mechanisms, the challenges of growing social is responsible for 8% of annual greenhouse gas
care, and the need to learn from good working emissions, and that 25% of agricultural water use
models across Canada and abroad. and a land mass the size of China go toward
producing food that ultimately goes uneaten.
This pandemic has brought into sharp focus the
economic inequity under which many of our The average Canadian household wastes 140
citizens exist. The NCWC has long advocated for a kilograms food per year – at a cost of more than
basic income guarantee to ensure everyone has $1,100 per year! Canada-wide that amounts to
an income sufficient to meet their basic needs and almost 2.2 million tons of edible food wasted each
live with dignity, regardless of their work status. year at a cost in excess of $17 billion!
There is encouraging news as we note other
organizations, including a Senate caucus, have A recent study in Frontiers in Nutrition reports,
now joined the NCWC in pressing the government globally, excess body weight corresponds to 140
to enact a basic income guarantee as a permanent billion pounds of food waste. Overeating is a form
addition to our social networks. of food waste. The largest US study of COVID-19
finds, obesity the single biggest chronic factor in
The NCWC has a long and honourable tradition of New York City hospitalizations.
advocating for the betterment of women, girls, and
families in Canadian society. We must remain Being mindful of how much we eat and following
thoughtful and careful as we continue to press for the Canadian Food Guide – eating a more
improved conditions for those most vulnerable and plant-based diet and less meat and calories to
ensure that Canada’s response to COVID-19 is all meet our needs – is healthier for us and our planet.
about building a better future for all of us. Increases in meat prices due to the shutdown of
meat packing plants with COVID-19 outbreaks,
Patricia Leson, President, NCWC might prompt a lower consumption.
presncwc@gmail.com 613-712-4419
Home cooking has increased, as had demand for
wheat and lentils. According to an AMC Global
A WORD FROM OUR PAST-PRESIDENT survey 60% of people are cooking from scratch
more often, making the most of pantry staples and
Coronavirus and Rethinking the Future for a minimizing food waste. Pre-pandemic we spent
Healthier Society and Planet 40% of our food budget at restaurants and on
convenience foods.
Lockdown has given us the opportunity to reflect
on our future – time to appreciate that we must act How much clothing do we really need? The global
in a more responsible manner individually and fashion industry generates a huge amount of waste
collectively if we are to have a healthier society – one full garbage truck of clothes is burned or
sent to a landfill every second. Worldwide as of
and planet. 2015, 73% of clothes ended up in landfills or
Shelter in place, lockdown, has shown us old incinerators because they cannot be recycled.
...cont’d on page 9
2
NCWC EDUCATION FUND NCWC DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION
The NCWC Education Fund was set up in NCWC members and friends donate
2008 as a charitable foundation to work with money to provide assistance for specific
the National Council of Women of Canada projects, in designated communities, for the
(NCWC) through research and public advancement of literacy and basic
education regarding the environmental, education and for skills training for women
social, mental, physical and health needs of and girls. The educational and social
women, families and societies. welfare programs supported by NCWCDO
Gracia Janes Carol Schweitzer
are located in Third World countries as well
Each year since its inception, our Education Fund Board as Canada. The criteria for eligibility are included in the
of Directors has worked with NCWC to present a NCWCDO grant application form which can be found on
“Common“ (theme) program at the NCWC Annual the NCWC website under Charitable Organizations /
General Meeting Conference. As noted in NCWC’s NCWC Development Organization; see: http://
Winter Newsletter, for the next two years, we will www.ncwcanada.com/fundraising/national-council-of-
dedicate our work to “Listening to, Learning from and women-of-canada-development-organization-ncwcdo/
Acting on the recommendations and themes of the report
of the Commission on Missing and Indigenous Women
and Girls.“ Donations over $50 are recognized in the NCWCDO
Annual Report. Three projects were supported in 2019.
Our first steps last summer and fall were conversations • The twinning program of Action Réfugiés Montréal (ARM)
between NCWC President Patricia Leson and Chief creates social support for newly arrived refugeed women
Connie Big Eagle, Chair of the Women’s Council of the by twinning them with Montreal women for regular
Assembly of First Nations, and the development of new meetings and group activities.
policy and update of existing policies, to be voted on at
our now-delayed AGM in the fall. In this latter regard, the • The non-violent communications (NVC) book club at the
Provincial Council of Women of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Mothers’ Centre (SMC) provides drop-in
Prince Albert and Saskatoon Local Councils of Women services, programming and hospitality to women and
have updated NCWC policy on Missing and Murdered children in the core neighbourhood which has the highest
Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA Persons, At number of families of indigenous origins and of
the delayed NCWC AGM, we hope to hear more about new-comers to Canada.
this crucial issues and the “Way Forward!” from former • Hope Restored Canada’s mission is the eradicating of
Inquiry Commissioner, Oajaq Robina at our NCWC/ sexual exploitation and trafficking through its H.O.P.E.
NCWC Education Fund Common Program during the Model (Holistic Restoration, Outreach, Partnership and
Saturday afternoon. Education). The average age of entry into trafficking/
prostitution trade in Canada is12-14 years old. This
If you wish to financially support the Education Fund to organization has connected over 280 women who are in
help carry out this kind of important Common Program the sex trade through circumstance and/or coercion and
work, please send a donation to National Council of range in age from teens to grown women in their 20’s
Women of Canada Education Fund, c/o Ruth Robinson, through 50’s. The project submitted enabled a start-up
117 Mt Allison Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H branch in Prince Albert
4A4. Also, donations can be made through Canada
Helps: CanadaHelps.org. Do you know of any projects that might qualify for financial
aid from NCWCDO? Ask the organization to fill out a grant
application. Monies received during the 2019-2020 fiscal
Gracia Janes, President, NCWC Educational Fund year will support projects that qualify for consideration.
gracia.janes@bellnet.ca
Carol Schweitzer, Chair, NCWCDO
ncwcdo@gmail.com 3
CHARITABLE RECEIPTS FOR TAX PURPOSES for both NCWCEF and NCWCDO are issued promptly.
NCWC EDUCATION FUND NCWCDO
DONATIONS DONATIONS
Please send your donations (cheque or money order) to Please send your donations (cheque or money order) to
NCWC Education Fund NCWCDO Treasurer
P.O. Box 67099. RPO Westboro P.O. Box 67099 RPO Westboro
Ottawa, ON, K2A 4E4 Ottawa, ON K2A 4E4
OR on-line CREDIT CARD-NCWCEF CanadaHelps.org OR on-line CREDIT CARD-NCWCDO CanadaHelps.org
LOCAL COUNCILS
MONTREAL
Montreal—the Epicenter of the Coronavirus
Greetings from Montreal – the
epicenter of the COVID-19. Of the
entire country’s 93,000+ cases and
almost 7,500 deaths, Montreal, a
city of two million people, has had
52,000 cases and almost 5,000
deaths as of June 4, 2020 – more
Sandra Cohen-Rose than half of the deaths in Canada
are in Montreal. See: Photo Montreal, May 13, 2020 by Melodie Tremblay
https://www.facebook.com/692369155/
posts/10158187530544156/
seniors in long-term care homes than anywhere
Although the above figures make the province of
else in the world. The government is now taking
Quebec the seventh deadliest COVID-19
a more active role in the care of the most
epicentre in the world, our sense of community
vulnerable in our society. Quebec Premier
has shone through the darkness. Tuesday
Legault recently floated the idea of nationalizing
nights across the city we joined in singing from
the province’s privately-run long-term care
our balconies, along with streamed
centres, or CHSLDs. For years these centres
presentations. The latest technologies have
have been underfunded and understaffed,
allowed us to attend live concerts, and
serviced by workers who are underpaid.
congresses, conduct business, home school our
Presently the Canadian Armed Forces have
children, and have goods, groceries and meals
been dispatched to help feed and care for the
delivered.
residents.
Our needs have not changed, but the tools we
We have gained a greater appreciation of the
use, the technology that we harness to meet our
work our essential service workers provide, and
needs have changed, and they will continue to
the need for them to be paid adequate salaries
change to make our world a better place. Our
and be provided with acceptable working
basic needs, such as, love, connection, safety
conditions and personal protection from
and community, food, shelter, clothing,
contagion. To provide an adequate income for
transportation, learning, prosperity, purpose and
their families, essential service workers often toil
meaning, and justice will always remain.
long hours, which studies have shown is
counterproductive. Experts who have studied
In this dark, disruptive, once in a lifetime
work patterns have shown the secret to more
moment, we have had the time to reflect on how
efficient work is sufficient rest.
we can better shape our world. What we decide
to do could have a great impact on our world for
Due to the lockdown, perhaps for the first time in
many years. Waking up to a new tomorrow, we
their adult lives, many have experienced a
see the prospect of a more just society — one
period of downtime, a time for rest and reflection
with less have-nots, one with more equality.
which is recognized as fundamental to success,
health and happiness.
A large aggregation of COVID-19 cases and
deaths in Montreal, and around the world, have
Given time to reflect on the kind of world we
occurred in the poorer sections of our society.
want to live in, we have an opportunity to decide,
As the NCWC has advocated, we now more
which might not come again in our lifetime.
clearly than ever before, see the need for a
basic guaranteed income.
Stay safe, healthy and strong,
The largest number of COVID-19 cases and All my best wishes for today and a bright
deaths in Montreal and other cities across tomorrow,
Canada has been in long-term care facilities.
Sandra Cohen-Rose, Past President, MCW
Quebec, per capita, has three times more
4 2006-2008 and 2011-2013
LOCAL COUNCILS
Vancouver Council of Women Celebrating 125 Years—photo by Sarah Zhang
VANCOUVER
Laura Quesnell 2020 Inductee, Prince
The Vancouver Council of Women Albert Women’s Hall of Fame
celebrated its 125th Anniversary in
the fall of 2019 with a most Laura Quesnel has worked
enjoyable event at Hycroft. Council tirelessly in the area of female
members and distinguished guests hockey in Prince Albert and has
rose for the singing of “O Canada” in contributed to the success of this
the drawing room prior to a program sport for local females. She has
Rosemary Mallory
highlighting the history and spent countless hours for many
achievements of the organization. The formal years volunteering her time, including many
program was followed by tea and an opportunity evenings and weekends, to ensure that girls in
to meet, chat and tour the historic house. Prince Albert have access to high caliber
organized hockey. Quesnell has been involved
with the Northern Bears (female midget hockey
Rosemary Mallory, VCW; Honorary Life team) for fourteen years and currently serves as
Member, NCWC their President.
Quesnell has also worked to bring the 2020 Esso
PRINCE ALBERT Cup National Female Midget Championship
tournament to Prince Albert, creating a once-in-a-
I hope this report finds everyone life-time opportunity for our community. Due to
well and staying safe during these COVID-19, the tournament had to be cancelled,
unprecedented times we are living much to the disappointment of the organizers and
through. the players. However, it was the right decision to
ensure the safety of everyone involved. The
On March 10, the Prince Albert Prince Albert Northern Bears were to host the
Rose Rothenburger
Council of Women held its annual tournament, and teams from across Canada were
Induction Ceremony into the Prince Albert to compete. This event each year show cases
Women’s Hall of Fame. This event is held each female hockey and the players become mentors
year in conjunction with International Women’s for younger girl in whichever community they are
Day. The Prince Albert Council of Women issues competing. Laura was instrumental in Prince
a call for nominations every year. This year our Albert’s success in winning the bid to host the
selection committee chose Laura Quesnell as our Esso Cup.
inductee.
...cont’d on page 6 5
LOCAL COUNCILS PROVINCIAL COUNCILS
...cont’d from page 5
PRINCE ALBERT ONTARIO
As well, Laura volunteers with the SaskTel Plus ça change …
pioneers. She volunteers at Raider Games,
Hug-a-Bear for the Victoria Hospital, Highway Who would have known in the autumn of 2019,
Clean Up, Christmas Angels and the Prince when PCWO submitted its Annual Brief to the
Albert Exhibition parade. Premier of Ontario, that the issues of the safe
housing and (health) care of seniors in general,
The Induction Ceremony was held at the would be brought into such sharp focus by the
beautiful Prince Albert Wildlife Federation hall, tragic deadly consequences of the COVID -19
and we were pleased to have a full house in pandemic for our vulnerable elderly population.
attendance. Elected officials from all levels of For the decades, PCWO advocacy efforts have
government were on hand to provide greetings, been highlighting in its resolutions and its
as were Laura’s friends and family. We were Annual Briefs the accessibility and affordability
very fortunate in that we booked our event just a of adequate home care, the dearth of long–term
short two weeks before Saskatchewan went into care beds which lately were threatening the
COVID-19 lockdown. How our lives changed in Ontario hospitals system with “hallway
those two weeks! medicine,” and due to abuse cases tighter
regulations and inspections of care homes. In
In closing, I want to mention on behalf of the our last brief, the shortage, training and working
members of the Prince Albert Council of conditions of personal support workers in home
Women, how proud we are of three of our very care and long-term care was of renewed
own who are now on the executive of the concern. (see PCWO briefs on PCWO website)
National Council of Women of Canada: Patricia
Leson, President; Randi Arnot, Vice-President In the wake of the SARS pandemic, our 2004
and Brenda Mishak, Vice President. The three PCWO Annual Brief to the Ontario Government
women have long been involved in the Prince our update resolution on “ Ontario Disaster
Albert Council of Women and Laura Quesnell Prevention and Planning” laid out in detail the
2020 Inductee into the Prince Albert Women’s areas where changes and improvements would
Hall of Fame Saskatchewan Council of Women, be needed. Sadly, over the years we did not
are successful leaders in their professions. They monitor and follow up more closely our concern
bring a wealth of knowledge to our for the system preparedness in case of an
organizations, and we know they will do so at epidemic or a pandemic. The COVID-19
the national level as well. pandemic which has us in its grip now, is
showing that our broad advocacy is still very
The Prince Albert Council of Women looks much needed. The high costs to the lives of our
forward to hosting events and working with the elderly, to our families, communities and to our
women and children in our community once we economy are still mounting. Will we be able to
are no longer in isolation. Please stay safe, learn from this disaster and actually act
everyone. accordingly?
Rose Rothenburger, Prince Albert Council of Edeltraud Neal, President, PCWO
Women
6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ENVIRONMENT world news began to report of clear skies, waters,
and air due to the current restrictions on travel,
In times like these, as climate change I learned of whale protection advocate Elizabeth
threatens our future and COVID-19 Hewitt, an NCWC member in the 1920s, whose
drastically impacts our health, the husband, Charles Gordon Hewitt, scientist, public
pandemic has provided some respite for servant and Canadian environmental hero, was the
the air, water and land. The National architect of the 1917 Migratory Bird Convention
Council of Women of Canada can be treaty between Great Britain and the USA, which
proud of our role over the last one banned wildlife markets such as those found today
Gracia Janes
hundred and twenty seven years in in Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the COVID-19, as
advocating for nature. However, in the years ahead well as in other Asian countries.
we must work even harder to secure an
environmentally sound future for coming Speaking of our avian friends, here’s what Peter
generations. had to say..
With this in mind, I bring to your attention some “Nice to watch birds fly from here. 'Ralph', the
examples of our past environmental concerns and resident hawk from Hawk's Hill in High Park floating
achievements, one with a link to the present COVID on the air currents. Searching no doubt for mice.
-19 crisis, and then, a very recent email glimpse of The pigeons are very wary as are seagulls. Two
hopes, fears, and challenges to us all, from my son pigeon chicks have hatched in the nest on my
Peter, a skilled musician, photographer and film balcony. Earlier in the spring I tried to shoo the
person, who is isolating alone in a tiny apartment in adults off, but with the distractions of the pandemic,
Toronto. they of course took full advantage of my absence,
as we are seeing the world over.
It seems amazing that as far back as 1910, the
Local Councils of Women of Montreal and Toronto Turtles launching onto beaches unhindered by
lobbied successfully for municipal water purification humanity. The condors I imagine soaring freely
systems and in the1920s for the formation of without airplanes blocking their travel routes.
National Parks such as Jasper. In the 1930s, Mountain tops of the Himalayas visible for the first
NCWC expressed grave concerns regarding leaking time in thirty years. No Mount Everest expeditions
oil tankers and in 1955 were ahead of the times in littering its slopes with spent oxygen and propane
warning about the dangers of nuclear power (atomic tanks. No cruise ships dumping their holding tanks
energy as it was called). In addition, in the 1970s, or tossing garbage into the oceans. Perhaps for the
NCWC was one of the first few groups to speak out first time since the forges of the industrial revolution
about the impacts of acid rain. began over two hundred years ago, has the ozone
layer begun to close up. We are able to see a
Since then, NCWC has sent countless cautionary dramatic increase in air quality in major cities
letters to the Government of Canada and presented around the world.
briefs to a variety of federal Boards and
Commissions regarding environmentally destructive Will we, as a species, be able to look at the positive
projects and practices. Some examples are the net effect to realize that it's possible to curb climate
shipment by highway of high level very dangerous crisis and change our global behaviours to make a
liquid nuclear waste from Chalk River near Ottawa, dramatic turn in conditions which ensure survival of
to the Savannah river site in South Carolina, nuclear life on earth? I really hope so. It's worth the try. The
reactor life-extensions, the Northern Gateway future depends on it!”
pipeline, off-shore drilling in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence and the urgent need to turn off dirty, **P.S. Here’s a direct link to my friend, Dr. John
costly, extremely dangerous nuclear financial Bacher’s Sierra Club article on Charles Gordon
investments and dramatically increase investments Hewitt, which ends in a very moving way with the
in energy efficiencies and conservation and information that he died from flu and pneumonia
alternative forms of energy in order to combat global symptoms in 1920 at the age of 36 during the height
warming. of the Spanish Flu pandemic. https://
secure.sierraclub.ca/en/node/3601
Coincidentally, in mid-to-late April as we were in
perhaps the worst stage of COVID-19 epidemic, and
Gracia Janes, 1st VP and VP Environment,
NCWC 7
BOARD OF DIRECTORS account for the decisions they make on our behalf
and to remind ourselves that we can do better as a
NCWC AGM 2020 society.
Social Distancing, Together! Dr. Jungsook Kim, President of the International
Council of Women (ICW), also shares our concerns
In so many ways, many of our regarding travel, particularly of an international
plans for 2020 and our expected nature, and large gatherings as we continue to
routines have been disrupted by meet the challenges of these uncertain times. She
the COVID-19 pandemic and the recently informed me the Executive Committee
social restrictions that came in its meeting that was scheduled for Avignon, France, in
wake. The Board of the NCWC October has been cancelled. The National Council
recognizes and appreciates many of Women of France is hopeful the pandemic will
of our members have concerns that have loosened its grip on the world and allow them
Patricia Leson
travel anywhere, even within to host the General Assembly in 2021. More
Canada, may not be prudent or information will be shared once it is available.
practical for the foreseeable future.
Stay safe; keep well; take care of yourself and
Therefore, we have decided to host a virtual AGM those you love!
this October in lieu of a physical gathering in
Ottawa. We believe it is vitally important our Patricia Leson, President, NCWC
organization continue its advocacy work while
being flexible and responsive in the face of
whatever restrictions may linger as the year
progresses.
RESOLUTIONS
The Board will consider the details for the meeting, Looking to the Future
determine the media platform we will use, establish
dates/times, and liaise with Jane Cowell’s This is just a reminder that the date for the
Resolution Committee regarding amendments and submissions of amendments to the Resolutions to
the voting procedure. We will share our plans with be presented at the 2020 Annual General Meeting
you as they unfold within the next few weeks. Our in October, as well as emerging issues resolutions,
AGMs have a set of procedures as outlined in the has been extended to August 15th. The
Standing Rules, and the Board and Convenors amendments will then be discussed by the
have always valued this time to report on their Resolutions Committee and final resolutions
activities during the year. We have also ensured packages will be sent out in September. This will
there was a social aspect to each AGM that was give you ample time to study them prior to the AGM
open to collaborate and share our mutual cares in October.
and concerns in personal face-to-face interactions.
So, yes, it will be different and a learning We also need to start thinking about resolutions to
experience; we will each just need to exercise be presented at the 2021 AGM! While I realize that
patience, trust and understanding as we work these are unprecedented times, they can also be a
through any issues. wonderful time for reflection. Zoom and
teleconference calls appear easier to set up
Our advocacy work is especially important at this because everyone is at home! While some
time as, while we are all being impacted by this provinces are starting to slowly reopen, most of us
crisis, we are not all affected in the same way. will be spending our summer on the home front,
COVID-19 has provided a stark reminder of the since our choices of places to go have been
many ways the policies of our governments have dramatically diminished!
made life more precarious for so many. While
much attention has rightly been focused on Since the deadlines for 2021 resolutions will follow
addressing the immediate impact of this crisis, we the usual pattern, and will be due only a month or
must also press them to refocus on alleviating so after the AGM, I thought it would be a good idea
these systemic issues to improve the quality of life to inform you NOW so you can start preparing...
for all Canadians, now and well into the future. We
must clearly and consistently call our leaders to cont’d on page 13...
8
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES women’s shelters, etc., with detailed information to
let our sisters know that they are not alone and how
FACEBOOK PAGE they can get help.
Over the past couple of months, there has been a
Visit and read about issues that
huge uptick in calls for a basic income as the
concern the National Council of
economic fallout from this pandemic is causing
Women and the women of this
great hardship for many and hitting the most
country at www.facebook.com/
vulnerable the hardest. We are pleased to share
thencwc. ’Like’ our Facebook
posts from various groups as they join NCWC and
page (if you haven’t already) and
other entrenched supporters in advocating for a
invite your friends to like and
basic income.
follow us too. Any member/
affiliate who would like to have
During these trying times, we have also shared
an item posted to our Facebook
many items of cultural interest/entertainment to
page should send the item link
Karen Monnon Dempsey with proper attribution to Karen
make staying home safe a little more fun. For
example, many of our world-class museums, art
Monnon Dempsey at
galleries, and musicians in Canada, as well as
kdempsey624@gmail.com.
around the world, are making available online
virtual tours and concerts. So enjoy life, stay safe,
Following our Facebook page is a great way to:
and visit us at www.facebook.com/thencwc.
1. Keep up with the latest and most relevant news
Karen Monnon Dempsey, Convenor, NCWC
on issues affecting women, children and
communities,
2. Find issues on which we should have policy so A WORD FROM OUR PAST PRESIDENT
that we can draft appropriate Resolutions to ...cont’d from page 2
bring before the membership at our AGMs, and
3. Find where we need to update existing policy to Coronavirus and Rethinking the Future
bring it in line with the latest information.
How much travel is necessary? During the
NCWC is a federate of the International Council of pandemic, millions of people have learnt the value
Women (ICW), an international non-governmental of videoconferencing, whether for working from
organization which holds Consultative Status home or attending a professional conference,
(Category 1) with the Economic and Social Council resulting in more workplace flexibility and fewer
(ECOSOC) of the United Nations. NCWC holds geographical constraints, and reduced crowding in
Consultative Status (General) with ECOSOC, office buildings – and doctor’s offices, as more
enabling NCWC to bring a Canadian perspective to people have virtual physician’s visits.
the work of the United Nations Commission for the
Status of Women. We therefore often post items Governments have begun to take note and are
that are international in nature – from ICW, our creating plans to reduce the need for
sister Councils across the world, the UN, etc. transportation while investing in walking and
cycling paths.
We also post items from NCWC’s many affiliates/
federates, like-minded organizations, and a wide Transportation can be further curtailed by
variety of reputable news sources. At this time demanding locally produced products, producing
there is a preponderance of information concerning fresher, tastier and more nutritious vegetables.
COVID-19 coming over our newsfeed; we bring you Local manufacturing, in addition to cutting
the most relevant information as well as updates on transportation, can create not only higher-quality,
vital medical and economic actions taken by the more-sustainable products but also more jobs for
federal government as well as the provinces/ Canadians.
territories as they deal with this. This pandemic has
also brought increased awareness to domestic How can we help make enduring change happen?
violence as the social isolation imposed on women The NCWC advocates Life Skills Education to
living with their abusers can heighten aggressive/ teach the importance of our daily habits for a
violent behaviour, while at the same time making it healthier society and planet.
more difficult for women to leave. We continually,
as they become available, post items from Sandra Cohen-Rose, Past President, NCWC
9STANDING STUDY COMMITTEES Here we are today, 100 years later, facing another
unprecedented time during the COVID-19
CULTURE AND HERITAGE pandemic. Once again the Prayer/Jingle dress
dancers have been called upon to dance for
Still they Dance healing and prayers for the world.
In the early 1900s the Prayer/Jingle Dancers of all ages and from across North America
Dress Dance began within the have answered the call to help heal a world that
northern Ojibway Nation. It became still sees them as unimportant citizens. These are
prevalent around 1919-1920 in the same women and girls who are the families of
Wisconsin and Minnesota in the the missing and murdered Indigenous women.
US, and in Ontario Canada, They are the families of the epidemic currently
through the family connections affecting Indigenous peoples across Canada and
between the Mille Lacs, Red Lake the United States. These women and girls are the
Band of Chippewa (USA) and the First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Native American
Whitefish Bay Ojibwe (Ontario). communities across Turtle Island. They are the
Randi Su Gage
The story of the dress is about a families of those who are lost as part of what has
young girl, who is very sick and her father, a been described as a Canadian National Crisis and
medicine man of the tribe, is worried that she is a Canadian/North American Femicide, still they
going to die. One night as he slept his spirit guides dance to save this world.
came to him and told him to make a Prayer/Jingle
dress for her. The Guide said if she danced in it - Randi Su Gage, Convenor, Culture and
the dress - it would restore her health.
Heritage, NCWC
The Prayer/Jingle Dress was made, and
Community came together for a drum ceremony
with her family. She was so weak at first she could
hardly stand or dance alone. Her Family carried her
and after she started dancing with the other women
doing the special dance steps, she started to feel
better. In a short time she was able to dance alone,
her sickness passed and her health returned. It is
likely that the sickness she was experiencing was
due to the 1918 flu pandemic, which hit many
communities close to the Great Lakes hard.
It is believed the healing aspect of the dance is
through the sounds made by the metal jingles as
the dancer moves. As the ziibaaska’iganan “jingles”
hit one another it sounds like rain falling, as the
dancers move in time with the drum and stop when
the drum beats stop. The dancers move lightly on
their feet, keeping their feet close to the ground,
kicking their heels and bouncing on their toes to the
music. The traditional dance is done in a zigzag
pattern to represent the dancer’s life journey, but Traditional Prayer/Jingle Dancers wear one of the
never in a circle as their life has not ended. They sacred colours of blue, green, yellow or red. Today
keep their hands on their hips and raise them only
many wear red for The Red Dress project, which was
if they are dancing with a feathered fan to receive a
healing. Within the Ojibway teachings it is believed created by artist Jaime Black, as a way to bring more
spiritual powers move through the air and water. awareness to the issue of missing and murdered
The traditional dance is done with low, soft-footed Indigenous women and girls.
steps which can be done by those who are sick or
weak.
10STANDING STUDY COMMITTEES changed since my last report and
President Patricia Leson's
HEALTH message to us all has given many
insights into Canadian families'
This report is short because I do
difficulties at this time.
not have anything to add to the
daily COVID-19 information in the
Seniors in Care Homes are
media. I hope everyone is following
the very good directives and Sheila Pepper particularly suffering, with carers
having to help many in each home,
staying healthy. Most provinces and
then going to other care homes, probably carrying
the Federal Government are
the virus, unknowingly. As this happened in the
presently formulating plans that will
early months of this year, almost everyone was
Beryl Matthewson allow businesses to reopen in a unaware of the easy spread of the often deadly
safe and timely manner. I have
virus to seniors. Now we are all more careful, trying
found that British Columbia is the only Provincial
to keep appropriate distances from everyone, and
Council of Women that has a Health Convenor so
now we hear of the gradual easing of restrictions.
cannot report on what is happening in other re-
Seniors in their own homes are trying to help
gions. However, I presume we are all facing the
themselves, ask for help when necessary, but have
same hospital restrictions and surgery
medical testing done remotely when possible.
postponements. As the number of cases varies, the
response will be specific to each provincial need.
Families are trying to keep of all their needs which
is particularly difficult these days: trying to stay
In British Columbia:
working, or have enough money to feed their
families, keep a roof over them and stay well --
Phase 1: involves essential services as the number
huge challenges every day. Our governments at all
of daily cases reported continues to increase.
levels are helping financially, but it seems there are
always more bills unpaid. Everyone must help
Phase II: where daily cases decrease and the
families to keep going, teaching their children at
infection rate curve levels off. The effect on
home, keeping them safe and fed and somehow
populations is three fold: health, social
calm and maybe happy! Most services have been
determinants and economic stress. During this time
cut back, cancelled or closed down, so every day it
there can be a gradual rescheduling of surgical
is a challenge for all of us to continue our lives, find
procedures, opening of dental offices, restaurants
what we need, stay busy, but careful, and help
and retail centers following work-safe and public
each other to survive.
health protocols that ensure employee safety.
Our church has resumed feeding the homeless in
Phase III: if transmission rates remain low will allow
downtown Vancouver on a take-out basis. Several
the gradual reopening of schools, hotels and small
other organizations are also are resuming services
entertainment venues.
for those most vulnerable. Social Housing and
shelters are challenged in these days in many
Phase IV: with community immunity or a successful
ways as close connections must be avoided.
treatment will allow attendance in live arenas and
international travel.
Our Council on Aging, Ottawa, has set out a
protocol for many changes to be put in place for
Beryl Matthewson, Convenor, NCWC seniors to be better taken care of at home, in the
medical system, in long term care homes,
retirement homes and when they must travel
SOCIAL AND SENIOR ISSUES locally. The lock downs of so many businesses has
caused some to close permanently and jobs are
even harder to find in any field.
What a difficult time for all Canada's vulnerable
people! So many are struggling with the Corona There are several encouraging signs across
Virus, COVID-19, as well as their financially Canada: in the safer provinces and territories which
precarious lives at the beginning of this year! In this have kept unnecessary visitors out, kept their
report, we focus on families' difficulties coping populations at appropriate distances and safer than
with many of their aspects of daily living and our 'hotspot' provinces for the Covid-19 virus.
seniors' problems in particular. So much has
...cont’d on page 15 11STANDING STUDY COMMITTEES of hours due to the closure of non-essential
businesses. Reports indicate one in five working
STATUS OF WOMEN women lost their jobs or most of their hours
between February and March. The result is
In Canada during the global
that 70% of prime working job losses were women.
COVID-19 pandemic many
Many of these women were the first to fill out
concerns have been identified by
applications for the new emergency benefit. Many
several national women’s groups
of these women likely would not have qualified for
regarding th impact this pandemic
support under the old EI rules that were abandoned
is having on women and women’s
as the crisis hit. For those in higher-paying jobs, a
organizations. From increased risk
systemic wage gap continues to exist for women
of violence under lockdown in
compared to their men who do the same work.
abusive homes, to expanded
caregiving for children out of school
Kelly-Ann Stevenson According the World Health Organization, women
and at-risk vulnerable adults, to a
are 70% of the health and social service workers/
majority presence in front-line essential services,
essential service worker worldwide, which places
women are front and centre when it comes to the
them at the greatest risk of exposure to the virus.
impact of and response to the pandemic.
With a women-dominated workforce, a significant
The Canadian government provided almost $70
portion of women have increased care
million to support women shelters and to sexual
responsibilities for children and/or elderly or ill
assault centres across the country. $10 million was
relatives. Low wages, coupled with a lack of access
provided to Indigenous Services – emergency
to sick leave or paid sick leave and other benefits,
shelters on reserves and territories to support
many women experience multiple inequities. This
Indigenous women and children fleeing violence.
further contributes to further marginalization in a
potentially hazardous and undervalued work.
Further consideration should also be given to that
different groups of women are experiencing
The closing of key sectors of the economy to
different impacts, requiring specific and targeted
contain the devastating impact of the coronavirus
responses – such as women with disabilities
and protect our collective future, was a necessity.
dependent on caregivers, racialized women
The costs will be high — especially for women.
providing care services in precarious employment
Those who suffer the largest and most substantial
situations, women who are homeless or have
losses will have the greatest difficulty returning
precarious legal status.
back to “normal” after the crisis.
Women are at the forefront of the economic crisis
Therefore, it is critical to ensure that all government
as yesterday’s labour force report from Statistics
COVID-19 response policies are designed through
Canada reveals. In March, employment among
Gender-Based Analysis+ and gender budgeting
women aged 25 to 54 years fell by 298,500, more
procedures, considering the needs of those most
than twice the decrease among men. Nearly half of
marginalized the multiple overlapping inequalities,
this decrease (144,000) was among women
and to extend support to the thousands who will not
working part-time, many in low paid service and
be able to meet the basic needs. This is an
care work who were already living on the financial
opportunity to begin to lay the groundwork for a
edge before the pandemic struck.
more gender equality and inclusive future.
Women make up just under half (47%) of all
Kelly-Ann Stevenson, Convenor, Status of
workers, but account for two-thirds (63%) of all job
losses. Among workers in the core demographic Women, NCWC
aged 25 to 54 years, women represent 70% of all
job losses. Some of the most vulnerable workers References:
are not covered by the important Canada
Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Statistics Canada
Status of Women Canada Gender-Based Violence
In addition, women make up the substantial Status of Women Canada Gender Based Analysis Plus
Canadian Women’s Foundation
majority of non-essential businesses - the sectors
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative
of retail, food, hospitality, art and culture women Newspaper articles Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free
were significantly impacted by the layoffs and loss Press
12NATIONALLY ORGANIZED SOCIETIES
come, some elders had none.
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF My father had Alzheimer’s and engaging with him
MUSLIM WOMEN (CCMW) required patience and perseverance. Days and
weeks passed. He began to withdraw from eating
Life in the time of COVID-19: Let's keep on and drinking and slept most of the time. On my
keeping on laptop I played verses from the Qur’an, some of
his nostalgic music, Urdu poetry recited by his
April 4, 2020, the Canadian Council of Muslim favourite narrators, and occasionally an old
Women (CCMW) held its first-ever virtual board Bollywood historical movie. He would listen
meeting. through earphones and drift in and out of
sleep. Sometimes I would share the sound with
During normal times, we meet in person every two the others in the room, with their
months or so and work very hard from Friday permission. Family members visited my father
evening until Sunday afternoon. regularly and gave me tips on how to feed him,
imploring me to help him eat his pureed
One of the reasons we love to gather together in food. Most of the time he did not recognize any of
person is to share our sisterhood, our lives and the visitors, including his children and
our challenges and accomplishments. The grandchildren. There was a poignant moment
personal presence of each and every board I remember distinctly when he responded to a
member attending from different parts of Canada greeting from my granddaughter. With each
is worth every minute. Yesterday, we did it all passing day, he ate less and less and slept more
through our phones, laptops and desktops. and more. That was the beginning of my father’s
Technology, you are a God-send. Yesterday we end in this life.
shared all of it without gathering together around a
Read more: A Tribute to our Elders
single table. We gathered together through fibre
optics, cable transmission lines, Internet and
Nuzhat Jafri, Executive
cyber connections that are invisible yet ever ...cont’d from page 8
Director, CCMW
present. The remarkable thing was that we still
did what we always do.
RESOLUTIONS
Read more: Life in the time of Covid Looking to the Future
A Tribute to our Elders Please take note of these dates:
As the news of outbreaks of COVID-19 in large October 9, 2020 - Deadline for submitting
numbers in long-term care facilities reaches our notification of proposed resolutions to Resolutions
news feeds and television screens, we are Convenor.
experiencing a myriad of emotions. Not the least
of which are sadness and grief at losing the most November 15, 2020 Deadline for submitting
precious people in our lives. resolutions and policy updates to Resolutions
Convenor.
Two years ago around this time of the year when
spring was making its presence known through a January 10, 2020 - Resolutions will be circulated
burst of crocuses and daffodils, I began to keep to the membership
my father company at the side of his hospital bed
in Scarborough. Our father was admitted to the March 31, 2021 - Deadline for amendments to
hospital and moved to palliative care because my resolutions from members and deadline for
siblings and I could no longer take care of him at Emerging Issue Resolutions.
home. He was in the 95th year of his life. In the
hospital room, there were three other elderly pa- Stay healthy and stay safe and if you have any
tients. One of them had regular visits from family questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
members but the other two had no visitors, except
for the hospital staff. Even when visitors could Jane Cowell, Resolutions Convenor, NCWC
13OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Read the latest newsletter by the Toronto & Area
Council of Women’s newsletter for news about our
sisters in this area: The Councillor
Here is the latest newsletter for our council. Read
a variety of details on our current situation and
links to local resources. Enjoy the nice weather!
Visit us at TACW.org
THANKS KELLY-ANN STEVENSON !!!
Connie and Aurora Zboch
Kelly-Ann Stevenson is a retired nurse who
returned to work to help during this COVID
QUOTATION BY ARLENE DRAFFIN pandemic...she is one of our HEROINES! We
thank you for your courage and dedication to
JONES helping and supporting our fellow citizens.
Kelly-Ann is a long time member of NCWC and our
“Even beyond family violence, there has long Convenor for the Status of Women.
been a general reluctance to make decisions
based on a gender analysis or consider how Stay well and stay safe Kelly-Ann!
plans affect women before putting them in
place,” said Arlene Draffin Jones, past-president
of the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba.
"I don’t pretend that we think we know all the
answers, because I think we’re all struggling for
that. But right now, I think our role is to remind RESOLUTIONS 2020: Deadline August 15
people that the people that are keeping us going
right now are indeed majority women, and
Due to the postponement of the NCWC AGM, the
they’re carrying, often, double and triple loads,"
she said. "So maybe we need to keep reminding Resolutions Committee will accept amendments
our governments, provincial and federal, that and resolutions on emerging issues until August
this is something we need to really address." 15, 2020. Any questions about this year’s
Resolutions? Ask us!
And it will go on — it won’t end after all this."
Download the Rules for Proposing Resolutions
from the NCWC Website (see front page,
Quote from the Winnipeg Free Press in an arti- right-hand column under “NCWC Resolutions
cle by Katie May on the link between COVID-19 2020 and Rules.) A copy of the Resolutions for
isolation and the rise in domestic violence. 2020 are also posted.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/
coronavirus/province-readies-for-potential-rise- Contact Jane Cowell, Convenor, NCWC
in-domestic-violence-570067332.html Resolutions
jane.cowell.poitras@ sympatico.ca
Or call 514-250-9527
14TOPICS OF INTEREST Look up my name, here is the link that I got, it may
work for you:
PUBLICATIONS BY NCWC MEMBERS https://www.bookdepository.com/Whats-Wrong-With-
This-Picture-Jeanne-Maranda/9780228820055?
ref=grid-view&qid=1587145204979&sr=1-1
The third option is to purchase the e-book via
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Whats-Wrong-This-Picture-
Advertising-ebook/dp/B085DDWPVP/ref=sr_1_1?
keywords=9780228820062&qid=1583342807&sr=8-
1
Enjoy this reading - about 3 hours of pandemic
confinement time! and I would most appreciate if you
would forward this email to others you know who
may be interested in this still very relevant topic.
Best regards,
JEANNE MARANDA Jeanne Maranda
marandajeanne@gmail.com
Among her many roles in various Quebec and https://trekmagazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2019/fall-2019/
Canadian women’s organizations, Jeanne has acted departments/class-acts/1950s-fall-2019/
as a Past Convenor of Culture and Heritage for the
NCWC, Past Editor of the NCWC Newsletter, and is
currently an Honorary Vice President of the Montreal
STANDING STUDY COMMITTEES
Council of Women, a local council of the NCWC. ...cont’d from page 11
Below is information about Jeanne’s most recent
SOCIAL AND SENIOR ISSUES
publication and a note from her explaining how to Some provinces have experienced much more
find her book. travel, urban congestion, and crowded seniors' care
homes, as well as crowded homeless shelters for all
ages. Many women's shelters have long waiting lists
Dear friend, for entry as domestic violence in these more
stressful months drags on.
My book is ready to be purchased
online. The title is "What's wrong with Evictions are more prevalent these days, as many
this picture: 25 years against sexism in cannot pay due rent, and government handouts are
advertising" slow in processing. Hopefully, this situation will
improve and landlords can wait a few weeks longer,
Amazon is not shipping to Canada at the moment, for home, apartment and business rents.
but hopefully that option will become available soon.
Seniors are encouraged to stay home and, thus,
There are two options for the print book that seem to must rely on others to bring them their food and
work right now - delivery may be slow, especially other supplies. Take-outs are more common, though
from the UK (are they flying books over?) many are being more inventive in their meal planning
and ingredients when some are not available.
US. Barnes and Noble: https://
Seniors must keep active during these 'confined to
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whats-wrong-with-this-
barracks' months, with daily exercises to keep them
picture-jeanne-maranda/1136603288?
from becoming less mobile and flexible. Seniors'
ean=9780228820055
safety may be more of a problem, as desperate
If this link direct to the book is not working, please go
people may prey upon them with even more
to http://www.barnesandnoble.com and look up
elaborate schemes.
Jeanne Maranda
In the UK (the price is higher, probably because of Sheila Pepper, Convenor, Social and Seniors
the conversion from pounds to dollars, but shipping Issues, NCWC 15
is free): https://www.bookdepository.com/You can also read
