Ncwc.ca

POLICIES ADOPTED 1986
The Conservation of Canada’s Arctic Heritage Improved Follow-Up of the Auditor General’s Annual Report EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS
Emergency Resolution: Women in Conflict with the Law Emergency Resolution: Funding Cuts to Studio ‘D’ Emergency Resolution: Cabooseless Freight Trains Emergency Resolution: Tobacco Marketing Board Emergency Resolution: Legalization of the Drug, Depo-Provera NCWC STATEMENT ON PEACE--PASSED AT 1986 ANNUAL MEETING
Pornography
Whereas,
Pornography is a threat to equality, dignity and physical integrity of all people; Whereas,
Society must accept the responsibility for the welfare of children; Whereas,
The Criminal Code does not adequately define pornography as it exists in today’s society, thus creating problemsof identification and enforcement; Whereas,
The overwhelming majority of pornographic material in Canada is produced in other countries; and Whereas,
The Criminal Code does not include a hate message provision for groups characterized by sex or gender; thereforebe it RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to amend the Criminal Code: To establish clear terminology and categories for pornography; To provide specific laws against the use of children for pornographic purposes, such laws to bear a severepenalty; To establish specific import standards at international borders to prevent the importation of pornographicmaterials as defined in Section 1, and to improve the training for Customs officers to carry out theseduties; To include ‘sex’ in Section 281(4) which deals with public incitement to hatred.
Equal Benefits for Part Time Work
Whereas,
There exists in the workforce many employees who will never attain full employment, either by choice or becauseof barriers to their participation; Whereas,
Part time workers have become the fastest growing segment of the labour force; and Whereas,
Part time workers usually receive considerably fewer benefits than full time workers; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ensure that the regulationsof the Canada Labour Code provide part time workers with the same protection, rights and benefits (on a pro-rated basis) as those now guaranteed to full time workers; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial Councils of Women to urge their respectivegovernments to amend their provincial Labour Standards Legislation to ensure that part time workers receive thesame protection, rights and benefits (on a pro-rated basis) as those now guaranteed to full time workers.
Information re: Prescription Drugs
Whereas,
Drugs themselves or in interaction with foods and /or other drugs can produce varying reactions and side effectsin different individuals; Whereas,
People may not be aware of these effects and thus their health may be seriously affected; and, Whereas,
Doctors and pharmacists have the information readily available; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to inaugurate policies to makeit mandatory to have auxiliary information labels and warning stickers on prescription and non-prescription drugs,especially relating to side-effects when combined with certain foods and other drugs; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Local Councils to inform their members of the importanceof consulting with doctor and/or pharmacist for information regarding drugs prescribed for their use.
The Conservation of Canada’s Arctic Heritage
Whereas,
Canada has jurisdiction over a significant portion of the fragile Arctic regions of the Earth; Whereas,
Canada, as signatory to the Stockholm Declaration and the World Heritage Convention of 1972, has committedthe Government and the people of Canada to conserve and protect for the world the resources within ourboundaries; Whereas,
Environment Canada has expressed concern for this environmentally sensitive terrain and ecosystems of theSpecial Places of the North; Whereas,
Canada supports the World Conservation Strategy, which identifies areas congruent with those listed by EnvironmentCanada; and, Whereas,
The Northern Conservation Task Force Report recommends that conservation strategy include the immediateestablishment of a comprehensive network of protected areas; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to take immediate action, onthe basis of National Priority, to establish the protected areas as recommended by Environment Canada, theNorthern Conservation Task Force Report and World Conservation Strategy, thus acknowledging Canada’srecognition of responsibility and commitment to the conservation of our Arctic regions as part of the World’sheritage; and further RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to consult with and ensure theparticipation of indigenous residents of areas to be affected in any deliberations on the conservation of Canada’sArctic Heritage.
Palliative Care
Whereas,
Dying and grieving are natural and integral parts of life; Whereas,
Care of the terminally ill individual is best directed toward pain and symptom control, not cure of the disease; Whereas,
Consistent, total care is best provided in the community by residents of that community working as a team; and, Whereas,
Consistent emotional and social support for grieving individuals should be provided within the community; thereforebe it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to: Recognize the need for more palliative care units/services in Canada; Implement research and development of palliative care units/services to ensure consistency and excellencein professional education, training, methods and techniques; Provide accurate monitoring and feedback by way of a standard of evaluation; Provide funding to those community programs offering quality care to the terminally ill, and support tothe grieving; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial Council of Women to request their respectiveprovincial governments to cooperate in the provision of the above services.
Job Sharing and Unemployment
Whereas,
There has been reluctance on the part of some employers to accept job sharing as an employment option; Whereas,
Job sharing is an employment option which would be attractive to a number of people at different times in theirlife cycle to meet specific career and personal needs; and, Whereas,
Information about job sharing and how to establish a job sharing situation is not readily available; therefore beit, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to: Develop a policy on job sharing within the federal government and its Crown corporations.
Implement, wherever possible, requests for job sharing with pro-rated fringe benefits, at all levels in thefederal Public Service.
Encourage business to adopt a similar policy with respect to job sharing.
Develop through Labour Canada an information package on job sharing.
Adapt the Canada Labour Code and taxation regulations to accommodate job sharing; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial and Local Councils of Women to urge theirrespective governments to implement requests for job sharing, with pro-rated fringe benefits, within their jurisdictions.
Improved Follow-Up of the Auditor General’s Annual Report
Whereas,
The Government of Canada is accountable to Parliament and the population of Canada for the use and managementof public funds; Whereas,
The Auditor General of Canada is responsible for an Annual Report on the results of an audit of governmentspending on a department by department basis; and, Whereas,
The Annual Report of the Auditor General annually describes cases of excessive expenditure and waste whichcontributes to Canada’s deficit; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to improve the follow-up of theAnnual Report of the Auditor General by ensuring: That funds raised by the Government of Canada be expended only by authority of Parliament.
That there be more judicious use of Governor General’s warrants.
That a knowledgeable and impartial Auditor General continues to make an independent examination ofthe departments, agencies and programs of government and to report annually to Parliament.
That complete and understandable information be made available to Members of Parliament in order toassist them in their examination of Government of Canada expenditures.
That the Canadian public be kept informed of corrective action in areas identified by the Auditor General’sAnnual Report.
That the work of the Auditor General in the area of tax expenditures which result in revenue loss becarefully monitored and followed by appropriate action.
Chemicals and Ecosystem
Whereas,
The use of chemicals is rapidly increasing each year; Whereas,
Their use brings an increasing and cumulative risk to the ecosystem; Whereas,
There is confusion and inherent risk in the division of authority for use/non use of chemicals between variousfederal ministries; and, Whereas,
The Ministry of Environment is directly responsible for the close monitoring of our ecosystem, especially as it is RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to place all regulatory powersconcerning chemicals which individually and cumulatively affect the ecosystem under the jurisdiction of the Ministryof Environment.
Legalization of Midwifery
Whereas,
The approach to midwifery, a primary contact profession, is unique in the care of mother and child, having distinctfocus on the normal; Whereas,
Formal accreditation would provide the highest standard of midwifery; and, Whereas,
The usual jurisdiction within the Canadian Health Care system would give jurisdiction for the licensing of theprofession of midwifery to the Provincial and Territorial governments; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada establish a policy in support of the profession of midwifery asa health care specialty; RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to recognize the professionof midwifery as a health care specialty; RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to encourage the Provincialand Territorial governments to enact licensing legislation for the profession of midwifery; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada encourage the Provincial Councils which have not yet taken aposition on the legislation of midwifery, to study the subject and present recommendations to their respectivegovernments. These studies should include investigation into the place of the midwife in government health caresystems and the relevant education requirements.
EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS
Emergency Resolution: Equality
Whereas,
The National Council of Women of Canada has advocated equality since its inception; Whereas,
New National Council of Women of Canada policy is required in order that a meaningful response may be madeto the report ‘Toward Equality’; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada indicate support of the following policy and that a submissionbe developed on the new policy as well as on existing policy: Parental benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act which apply equally for both natural and adoptiveparents.
Inclusion of sexual orientation as a prohibitive ground of discrimination within the Human Rights Act.
That the meaning of the word ‘spouse’ and ‘married person’ and similar expressions to include a common lawspouse, and the word ‘marriage’ include a common law relationship, provided that a consistent definition ofcommon law relationships be incorporated in all federal law and policies that recognize such relationships.
All trades and occupations in the Canadian Armed Forces be open to women.
Replacing the Spouse’s Allowance under the Old Age Security Act with an equivalent benefit without referenceto marital status.
Amend the Immigration Act to state as an objective of Canadian immigration policy, that such policy should ensurethat the Act, the Immigration Regulations and immigration guidelines contain standards of admission that do notdiscriminate in a manner prohibited by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Provision of interpreter services for the hearing impaired be available upon prior request at federal public hearings,including those of parliamentary committees.
That the Canadian Labour Codes and the Federal Public Service Terms and Conditions of Employment Regulationsbe amended so that there is provision for a determinate number of statutory holidays to be taken by all employeesand a number of floating statutory holidays that an employee may elect, upon being employed, in accordancewith his or her religious observance requirements or personal beliefs; and that the Minister of Justice refer to theUniform Law Conference of Canada and to provincial ministers responsible for human rights the considerationof amendments to provincial hours of business and employment standards legislation to provide for days of restthat respect freedom of conscience and religious belief on a constant basis.
That spouses and/or eligible children of public servants and Canadian Armed Forces personnel be entitled tovote, in general elections, in the electoral district where they declare themselves to be ordinarily resident inCanada; and that spouses and dependents of Canadian Armed Forces personnel be afforded the same rightsand freedoms under the Canadian Charter of Rights as other Canadian citizens.
Emergency Resolution: Women in Conflict with the Law
Whereas,
The Federal Cabinet identified $2.1 million for Women in Conflict with the Law initiative in the spring of 1984; Whereas,
Only about $1.5 million has been committed to the initiative to date; Whereas,
The need for programs and services for women in conflict with the Law across this country remains great; and, Whereas,
Many viable projects designed to assist women in conflict with the law, or women at risk, are not able to be fundedbecause insufficient funds have been committed to the initiative; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada request the Government of Canada to provide further funds forthe Women in Conflict with the Law initiative in an amount of not less than $600,000 for the period 1986-88.
Emergency Resolution: Funding Cuts to Studio ‘D’
Whereas,
The Government of Canada created the National Film Board in 1939 with a mandate to “interpret Canada andCanadians to Canadians and the rest of the world”; in 1974, Studio ‘D’ was set up as an additional unit withinthe National Film Board to meet the particular needs of women film makers and audiences; Whereas,
Canada’s commitment to principles of equality, justice and rights for all peoples has been demonstrated at theUnited Nations Conference to mark the end of the Decade for Women (1976-1986) in Nairobi, July 1985; Whereas,
Between the fiscal years 1984-85 and 1985-86, Studio ”D’s” share of discretionary funds of the English productionbranch, National Film Board was reduced from 10 percent to 6 percent; in 1984-85 Studio ‘D’ was the only oneof ten studios in the English production branch to receive less than the previous year; and, Whereas,
The National Film Board’s new Five Year Plan announces a “national mandate” for Studio ‘D’ should originatein both of Canada’s official languages. However, no provision has been made to produce original films in Frenchor to translate its existing films into French, or to increase its traditional support of women film makers in otherregions of Canada; the stated “increase” by the National Film Board in its support of women means that moneytaken from Studio ‘D’ has been supplemented with additional money but redistributed to the regions to beadministered by men for “women’s projects”; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the National Film Board to increase the budget of Studio‘D’ in order that they many carry out their mandate to: Continue to operate the Women’s Program Studio at its prior level of activities; Hire qualified Francophone women for French language programming required to fulfil Studio “D’s”national mandate; Provide technical training for women by women; Provide English language regional programming; Provide women’s drama development program; Continue to develop non-sexist, non-racist, non-violent children’s programming; and, Develop an international network to include distribution, training and development work for an eventualexchange of women’s programming by satellite.
Emergency Resolution: Cabooseless Freight Trains
Whereas,
The caboose is important for not only total efficiency but for the safety of the general public and the environments; Whereas,
Trains are longer, over two miles not unusual, and trains travel faster, 50-65 MPH, carrying more dangerouscommodities than ever before, 35 percent growing at 5 percent per year; Whereas,
A series of train accidents in the past year has caused many deaths (29 at Hinton, Alberta along) and environmentaldisruption with millions of dollars spent on cleanup; and Whereas,
For economic reasons the railways desire to remove the only remaining means of human, visual inspection ofa freight train enroute; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada request the Government of Canada to urge the Railways toretain the caboose occupied by a rear-end trainman on all trains transporting dangerous/hazardous materials.
Emergency Resolution: Generic Drugs
Whereas,
Until 1969 multinational corporations enjoyed an almost complete monopoly of the Canadian pharmaceuticalmarket, through the patent system, and drug prices were the highest in the developed world; Whereas,
Since 1969, when the Patent Act was amended to allow Canadian Companies to copy some patented drugs, theresulting competition has reduced the price of all drugs 20 percent; in 1983 alone saved consumers (includingprovincial health plans) $211 million, and spawned a generic drug industry in Canada; Whereas,
The same testing and safety regulations apply to all pharmaceuticals sole in Canada (including ‘fillers’ in theproduct, etc.); Whereas,
The potential for expansion of Basic and Applied Research in Canada lies with the Canadian generic and biologicalcompanies and with public institutions, because multi-nationals for reasons of economy, centralize AppliedResearch for their world markets at their headquarters and delegate to branch plants only aspects of Preclinicaland Clinical evaluation relating to required approval from regulatory agencies; Whereas,
The potential for a Canadian export business lies with the generic and biological industry which by 1982 hadincreased exports to $8 million; Whereas,
A climate of new preventive and curative attitudes and techniques prevails regarding wellness/illness, which mayalter reliance on drugs and which would benefit by more choice in the health care industry and freedom from amarketplace, permeated by internationally powerful, traditional, profit-oriented drug companies; and, Whereas,
The availability at reasonable and fair cost of necessary widely used drugs is particularly of concern to womenwho often are the family ‘nurse’, who are the objects of most drug prescriptions and who are the majority of seniorcitizens; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:1.
Support and encourage the Canadian-owned drug, generic drug, and biological manufacturing industry; Retain and strengthen the provision of Section 41(4) of the Patent Act 1969 re. Licensing of generic drugs; Encourage competition and reduce cost, particularly of essential drugs; and, Limit any changes to those recommended by the Eastman Commission; and be it further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial Councils of Women or the Local Councilsof Women where no provincial councils exist, to urge their respective Provincial Governments to do the same.
Emergency Resolution: Tobacco Marketing Board
Whereas,
The Government of Canada is supporting the establishment of a Tobacco Marketing Board, which will be usedfor the promotion and protection of the Canadian tobacco farmers; Whereas,
The Government of Canada plans to make available $90 million in interest-free payments to the tobacco producers(for storage costs of tobacco while waiting for a better market price); Whereas,
The long-term viability of the tobacco industry can be assured only be high consumption of the end product –cigarettes; Whereas,
The research indicates that tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke are clearly harmful to all individuals; Whereas,
Smoking costs Canadians $5.2 billion annually (disability and health-care costs, lost wages, etc.); and, Whereas,
Many health-related organizations such as the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Cancer Society, and theCanadian Public Health Association also recognize the health risks of tobacco; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada strongly urge the Government of Canada to cease forthwith allefforts to sustain and support the production and sale of tobacco through a tobacco marketing board; and further, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to maintain support for thechange-over to other crops through monies already provided to farmers.
Emergency Resolution: Legalization of the Drug, Depo-Provera
Whereas,
The Government of Canada plans to legalize the use of the drug Depo-Provera as a contraceptive without adequatelong-term testing; Whereas,
The United States Food and Drug Administration has refused on two separate occasions to legalize the drugDepo-Provera as a contraceptive; Whereas,
The risk in long-term usage of certain progestin is unknown, and at best, suspect; and, Whereas,
The side effects of this drug are many and varied, such as: Altering of the carbohydrate metabolism; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada not to approve the use of thedrug Depo-Provera as a contraceptive until well-documented long-term, independent studies have resolved themajor concerns about its use.
Emergency Resolution: Child Care
Whereas,
There are many families in which there is only one parent; Whereas,
There are many families in which, because of the cost of living, both parents must be employed outside the home; Whereas,
Many mothers and fathers feel the need to continue a career before their children are of an age to care forthemselves; and Whereas,
Low income families are subsidized for the cost of child-care and high income families have no need of subsidy,which leaves middle income earners in a difficult position; therefore be it, RESOLVED,
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to: Initiate the development of a nation-wide system of child-care in Canada by sharing a substantial portionof the cost of such a system.
Ensure (a) grants given to provincial and territorial governments be forwarded only to licensed child-careprograms or family day-home-care programs regulated, supervised by provincial or municipal governments.
Ensure (b) that funding for child-care be contingent on quality care: That licensed child-care centres employ at least one administrator having specializedearly childhood education training; That other child-care givers, including family day-home-mothers be required to attendin-service programs to ensure quality care.
Ensure (c) that such grants include programs set up for before and after school care and school vacationcare for 6 - 12 year olds.
NCWC STATEMENT ON PEACE – PASSED AT 1986 ANNUAL MEETING
Whereas,
The National Council of Women of Canada abides by the following aims and objectives;Believing that the best good of our homes and nation can be advanced by our greater unity of thought, sympathyand purpose, and that an organized, non-sectarian and non-partisan movement of women will best serve thehighest good of the family and State, do hereby band ourselves together to further the application of the GoldenRule to Society, Custom and Law.
Whereas,
The United Nations has as its purpose and objectives:a) To phase succeeding generations from the scourge of war; To reaffirm faith in fundamental rights; in the dignity and worth of the human person; in the equal rightsof men and women and of nations large and small; To establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and othersources of international law can be maintained; To promote social programs and better standards of life in larger freedom.
Whereas,
The International Council of Women, a non-governmental organization in consultative status, Category 1 with theEconomic and Social Council of the United Nations; RECOGNIZES the economic interdependence of nations and the relationship between striving for social and economic justice
and striving for a lasting peace. It considers that there must be a realistic examination of the problems of worldeconomy and of a more equitable distribution of the world’s resources.
BELIEVES
in the training of children in international goodwill and the education of the rising generation in a spirit of conciliation.
SUPPORTS &
RECOGNIZES universal instruments for peace and cooperation, such as the work of the United Nations.
believes in the sanctity of international obligations.
SUPPORTS
the Declaration of Human Rights, which it considers essential to guide the world conscience and for the maintenanceof peace and the establishment of the rule of law.
HAS FAITH
in its ideals of uniting the women of the world without distinction of race, nationality, faith or class, in order topromote the welfare of the individual, the family and humanity. It believes that the collaboration of women isessential for the material, cultural and moral reconstruction of the world and is the greatest force for peace.
THEREFORE, the Special NCWC Committee on Peace and Security, strongly recommends that all National Council of Women
federates and their constituents, aid and support the activities and programs of the United Nations, especiallythe continuation of Peace conferences for young persons at all world levels, and, That The National Council of Women of Canada recommend that the Canadian Institute of International Peaceand Security, assist in the development and financing of a student exchange program between Canada and theMember States within the Soviet Bloc, in order to bring about a better understanding of the differences in philosophy,ideology and economics of each country.

Source: http://ncwc.ca/pdf/1986_NCWC_Policies.pdf