NATIONAL CONVENTION 2008 REPORT - Winnipeg Manitoba
Diane Lemay Provincial President Elect.
What a pleasure it was to attend the National Convention this year representing the Province of Quebec. This year the
WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations) North American Regional Conference was held prior to our
own convention. It was an excellent opportunity to gain some first hand knowledge about this organization. Archbishop
Smith (past National Spiritual Advisor) was the keynote speaker.
On Sunday afternoon I attended the Resolutions Dialogue where the six resolutions being presented to the Convention
where reviewed and discussions ensued on changes that were required to the resolutions before they were presented. This
is a very interesting experience and one that I never miss when I go to Convention.
Sunday evening we gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for the opening Mass. The Presider was Archbishop Weisgerber of
Winnipeg. It was a beautiful liturgy with a wonderful choir and a liturgical dancer. Greetings were brought by government
officials and the President of WUCWO, Karen Hurley.
Monday morning saw us up bright and early ready to begin a busy day of activities. Breakfast was served across the street
in the hall of St. Mary’s Cathedral. The morning was spent listening to our keynote speakers, Dr. Moira McQueen,
Executive Director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia
Prevention Coalition and Senator Sharon Carstairs speaking on End of Life Issues.
Monday afternoon was the beginning of the business sessions were we heard reports from Provincial Presidents and the
National Executive. Six resolutions were presented during the business session. (1) Preventing Human Trafficking at 2020
Olympics (2) Restrictions on the Use of Triclosan (I checked products that I use when I returned home and discovered that
Dial Antibacterial Liquid Soap has this product listed as one of its ingredients so now I am back to using regular hand soap
to wash my hands) (3) Toxins in Household Products (4) Accurate Food Labelling (5) Transportation Tax Credit for Rural
Post-Secondary Students (6) Revision to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Tuesday evening was Provincial night and so the Quebec delegation gathered at a local restaurant for an evening of Italian
food and good conversation.
As this was an election year, the convention ended with the election of a new slate of officers. Pearl Bridgwater from
Candiac was elected to the position of Chairperson of the Christian Family Life Standing Committee.
The closing Mass was held at St. Boniface Cathedral. A very interesting Cathedral. The old cathedral burned down many
years ago and the stone walls were all that was left. The new cathedral was built inside the stone walls. Following the Mass
everyone met back at the hotel for the closing Banquet.
The new president, Danielle McNeil-Hessian announced that the theme for 2009 -2011 would be
“Women of Peace and Hope”.
August 2007
National Convention Oral Report of Quebec Provincial President Ellen Peterkin
As the newly-elected president, I must start by saying how proud I am of the members of Quebec Provincial Council. I have
barely gotten my feet wet and, what do you know, we are hosting this convention. The convention committee and all parish
councils must be congratulated for their commitment and hard work. As many of you know, the hosting of a national
convention is no small endeavour. Many enjoyable yet anxious hours have gone into the preparation of this convention so
that all delegates could spend some valuable time together.
This year many anniversaries have been celebrated by parish councils, the last one being the 85th celebration of Montreal
Diocesan Council. All annual diocesan conventions were very successful. The provincial convention was held in June and the
provincial council was fortunate to have many members offer to accept a position on the executive. National President
Lorette Noble was present and facilitated a workshop on the theme Love One Another. Quebec members completed their
part of the needlepoint banner for the theme. Members were delighted to hear that Life Member Eleanor Arless, a previous
Quebec president, had been chosen as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' representative to the Women's Inter-
Church Council of Canada. Bravo!
The survey for the focus group on standing committees was worked on. The provincial council's major concern for the future
of the League is membership and maintaining membership. If the council is to accomplish this, much study will have to be
done on how a new generation will fit into the League and how the League must be open and flexible to accept some
changes.
The provincial council focus will be decided at the next mid-term executive meeting. Brainstorming on issues such as
membership, workshops, visitation of parish councils and fun will be on the agenda. New initiatives will be forefront on the
agenda.
Living in Quebec creates some obstacles but Quebec members' concerns are close to the concerns of members across
Canada. As an English speaking organization in Quebec, the League has succeeded because members' hearts are all in the
same place. The League is alive and kicking because of members' commitment and love for the League. This is what truly
matters.
January 2007 - Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada Appointment
Congratulations to Eleanor Arless who has been appointed by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)
as their representative on the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), succeeding Claire Heron. The
appointment was made in consultation with the National President of The Catholic Woman’s League (CWL). The
appointment is for three years, renewable once. Eleanor has been asked to keep the CCCB advised of the work of the
WICC and also to keep the CWL National Council informed as well. There are two meetings a year held in Toronto with
Eleanor’s first meeting scheduled for June.
Eleanor has been a member of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada for 50 years, is a Past Quebec Provincial Council
President, Life Member, and currently member of Resurrection of Our Lord Council in Lachine, Quebec.
(submitted by Shirley Bernier - Quebec Provincial Secretary)