Education | Action | Advocacy | |
CFUW Ontario Council News | | |
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In this Issue
- Message from Sandra Shaw, President 2024-2026, Ontario Council
- 2025 Ontario Council AGM
- Treasurers' Survey
- International Women's Day
- February Speakers Series - Women in the Skilled Trades
- National News
- Women and Work
- Ontario Council Commendation Process
- Elder Care in Ontario
- Ontario Election 2025
- All Candidates Meetings
- Environment Corner
- Ontario Coalition for Healthy School Food
- Ontario Health Coalition
- Some Learnings from Writing an OpEd
- CNOY: Coldest Night of the Year
- What's in a Name?
- Club News & Events
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A Message from Sandra Shaw | |
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Yesterday, I overheard someone use the quote, “Accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference" (attributed to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, although this is the secular version). This ‘someone’ was talking about what he used to ‘always say’ to his grandson. You don’t often hear exact quotes used in conversation. After reflecting on this passage, though, I realised it served as a personal reminder that I must stop ruminating and railing against the political situations everywhere (and especially in the US), over which I have no control and which is counterproductive.
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However, how I let all the negative, unconstitutional and alarming activities of kakistocratic1 governments depress, anger and subsequently paralyse me is something I can control by turning to action. Determining what steps, I and others need to take collectively to protect our rights and freedoms is also within my control. Certainly, I can shop ‘Canadian’ but I realise that is not enough. I need to support those here at home who are going to lose their jobs or must pivot into new endeavours to simply survive.
I need to ensure that the rights of women, LGBTQ2S+, non-binary, BIPOC, disabled, Indigenous, racialized and disenfranchised people are not rolled back as has happened to the south of us. I need to become involved in the Canadian Federal election, not just to vote, but to further the democratic process by supporting All Candidates Meetings, supporting women who have chosen to fight for a place at the political table, and understanding and promoting electoral reform.
I need to ensure that the re-elected Ontario government does not further endanger the education of our youth, does not allow further raping of the province’s northern lands in the pursuit of rare minerals by deregulating the mining industry and rolling back environmental protections, does not spend monies on schemes to line the pockets of the already rich, does not dismantle our healthcare system, and does not desecrate our enshrined rights.
Especially, though, we cannot allow the rights of women, for which we have had to fight so hard, be eroded. As an organisation, CFUW, Ontario Council and its Clubs are now in the unusual, unfamiliar position of safeguarding human rights we have already won while at the same time engaging in new battles for justices not yet attained. We must lead change but also protect what we have gained. We have never been at this juncture before.
I implore you, the 4,700 women of CFUW Ontario Council Clubs, to embark on the journey of looking both back and ahead at the same time. Together we can do this – we can protect and further our rights, our values and our country.
Sandra Shaw
President, CFUW Ontario Council (2024-2026)
1 A new word for me, and a very apt one too. Kakistocracy describes a dysfunctional government run by its least capable citizens.
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This year’s AGM will be held virtually on May 24th. Please save the date. Further details will be announced in April’s newsletter, and as always, a Year End Report and a Business Booklet will be issued at the required time prior to the AGM. Voting eligibility will be outlined. Two resolutions will also be on this year’s AGM agenda. Note that there are no fees associated with attending the CFUW Ontario Council AGM. | |
Please note: we will not be holding Membership Recruitment and Retention contests this year. Instead, at the AGM this May, we will honour clubs for all of their excellent effort. | |
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Ontario Council Membership Fees
Reminder - Ontario Council Membership Fees & Insurance were due February 7, 2025.
Invoices have been sent to the Club Treasurers by the Ontario Council Treasurer. The invoice is also posted on the website. Payment can be made by cheque or e-transfer. Please contact the OC Treasurer at treasurer@cfuwontcouncil.org with any questions.
Treasurers' Survey
In response to questions received by Ontario Council in the last year, we have prepared and sent a questionnaire concerning the financial issues facing Clubs to OC Club treasurers (February 19th, 2025). Questions include the dues charged by Clubs, software used by Clubs, banking arrangements and other financial issues.
We will summarize and distribute the responses to Clubs. We also plan a webinar in May for Treasurers to discuss their role and challenges.
We appreciate the time constraints on all of us but would appreciate a response by March 28th.
Questions or concerns regarding this survey should be directed to Anne Groulx, Ontario Council Treasurer
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International Women's Day | |
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March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD). It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to highlight the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their (our) full participation in all aspects of society.
International Women’s Day 2025 theme
The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in every story.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation, supports Canada’s economy, and helps ensure a sustainable future for all.
Every woman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women and girls in your life and share their stories.
The beginnings of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society.
International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day.
Today, International Women's Day is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action and is celebrated in many countries worldwide.
https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/international-womens-day.html
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Something to remember: There now are a lot of online news sites. They seem very willing to advertise events. Usually, you must provide your own story and pictures but this is a great way to raise CFUW's profile in your community.
Here is an example of some press that CFUW Aurora-Newmarket received for their International Women's Day event:
YorkRegion.com
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February Speakers Series:
Women in the Skilled Trades
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Thanks to all who attended our February 22nd Speaker Series Event: Women in the Skilled Trades. It was a very interesting presentation, informing participants of the opportunities available to women entering the trades but also to the barriers they encounter.
The session was recorded. If you missed the event, you can request a link to the recording by contacting communications@cfuwontcouncil.org. As well, Joni Jean has graciously shared her slide presentation with us. Click here to see it.
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Beijing+30 and Participating in CSW69 | |
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You don’t have to go to New York to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the commemoration of Beijing+30! Many NGOs host hybrid and virtual events throughout CSW, meaning you can participate from anywhere in the world.
Register for the NGO CSW Forum here to browse and attend any of the hundreds of free online events from March 10-21: https://ngocsw69forum.events.whova.com/registration/?mc_cid=7bc885c90d&mc_eid=6b6c961f22
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CFUW’s CSW Parallel Events
CFUW is co-hosting two parallel events during CSW, one in New York and one online:
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How can I support women-owned Canadian businesses amid Trump tariffs
In the face of the tariff threats from the US, an article in the February 26th Globe and Mail really hit home. The article, entitled How can I support women-owned Canadian businesses amid Trump tariffs, is a worthwhile read and cause for reflection. Here is a link to the article:
Women and Work - February 26, 2025
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To Help You Buy Canadian
A number of websites have been set up to help Canadians discover and shop truly Canadian. Here are links to two of the sites.
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Ontario Council Commendation Process | |
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Teresa Habs, past President of CFUW Ontario Council, generously developed a Commendation Package for the Council’s Club members. The document outlines what a Commendation is and how and when commendations can be used by OC Clubs and the Council to increase their profiles and acknowledge the work of other organizations with shared values. The Ontario Council executive unanimously endorsed the package.
"A ‘Commendation’ is presented to an organization (or person) as result of actions taken by them that stand out as exemplary, are aligned with CFUW National and/or Ontario Council goals and values and deserve recognition and praise from CFUW (OC Club or Ontario Council)."
How to generate both Letters and Certificates of Commendation, when to use them and when to present them can be found on the Ontario Council Website under Club Resources. Click here to access this resource.
Any questions regarding Commendations can be directed to Sandra Shaw, President, CFUW Ontario Council.
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Dr. Jenny Ingram is a specialist in Internal and Geriatric Medicine and the Founder of the Kawartha Centre – Redefining Healthy Aging, a community-based senior’s medical clinic and research site. She is a member of CFUW Peterborough.
She is graciously sharing this article with us, outlining some of her most recent projects involving Elder Care in Ontario.
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Health care delivery for folks with dementia, has been her career’s focus. She has now turned her eyes to Home Care, for people trying to live at home with dementia. Home Care, now called Ontario Health at Home, is a government program that still dictates to seniors with dementia what they have to offer and does not ask seniors, their families or their specialists what they need.
To highlight this issue for the public, Dr. Ingram and her team are creating a documentary for release this fall. They have filmed many courageous families recounting unbelievable obstacles with our current system.
Click here to read Dr. Ingram's article.
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Post Election Thoughts
Kathy Wosnick
OC Advocacy Chair
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Ontario elections are done and dusted with Premier Doug Ford and Conservatives winning another majority. However, our CFUW issues remain priorities for clubs and members, so let’s keep posing those questions to our MPP’s. Let’s keep up the pressure to make sure our provincial and local issues, including Health and Long-Term Care, Elementary and Secondary Education, Post Secondary Education, Environment and Climate Change, School Food Security, Early Learning and Child Care, Affordable Housing and Intimate/Gender Based Violence are addressed by our elected representatives.
This is not a time to relax but rather to re-energize and keep up the good work we do in each of our communities. Ontario Council will do likewise. We know that a Federal Election is likely coming this spring, so there too our Ontario clubs and members, alongside CFUW members across the country will be working to make sure our priorities are addressed. Let’s do our best to ensure that the 45% voter turn-out for this election is well surpassed when we next go to the polls federally.
While CFUW is non-partisan, that does not mean non-political. We can and will continue to voice support or opposition to policies or laws in accordance with our adopted provincial or national resolutions. We will continue to focus on issues of importance to our mission and values. Women Leading Change!
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Congratulations to all Ontario Council Clubs which were successful in holding All Candidates Meetings (ACM).
These meetings are a valuable tool in the democratic process, allowing voters to see their candidates in action and hear the various parties’ platforms and how they relate to the issues in their ridings. Unfortunately, in most ridings where ACMs were held, irrespective of organizer, the Conservative candidate refused the invitation to participate. Some Clubs pivoted nimbly and held Meet and Greets for their communities when their attempts to hold an ACM were thwarted (again, usually without the Conservative candidate).
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those Clubs which considered holding an ACM and those which tried and were unable to organize such an event. The speed with which the election was called, the time of year (many eligible citizens are not in the country) and the short campaigning period did not favour the process of holding democratic discussions or debates in far too many ridings.
With a Federal election on the horizon, CFUW Ontario Council Clubs may consider (or reconsider) holding an ACM. Please note that grants are available (up to $750, subject to the availability of funds) for Ontario Council Clubs to hold non revenue generating events such as these. See Club Resources, Club Grants and Loans on the website.
CFUW National will be producing an Elections Toolkit for the upcoming Federal election. You may find that some of the issues raised in the Ontario Council Election Toolkit can support or add to those identified by CFUW National.
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Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Special Edition Newsletter
Ontario Council has yet to attract a member to take the position of Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee. Our Advocacy Chair and Chairs of Education, Legislation and Status of Women and Human Rights have been extremely busy this year organizing our Speakers Series, helping Clubs with issues related to the portfolios and producing material for the newsletters and the provincial election. Time constraints have not allowed for extensive work on the ECC.
As a result of this hole in our Board, we are bringing a special edition newsletter to you filled with articles from Clubs which have generated ECC articles in their Clubs’ newsletters and from special articles published in various ECC publications. This Special Edition ECC Newsletter will be in your inbox in time for Earth Month – April.
If you have an ECC article from your newsletter which you would like to have dispersed farther afield to all Ontario Council Clubs, please send it to Sandra Shaw, President, CFUW Ontario Council. for publication in this special edition. Contributions must be in by March 21st, 2025.
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ONTARIO COALITION for
HEALTHY SCHOOL FOOD
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Quarterly Meeting – Wednesday February 26, 2025
Facilitator: Ashley Byrne; Program Coordinator for Food First NL
“The Coalition believes a universal healthy school food program will support the health, well being and education of all Canadian children”, https://foodsecurecanada.org
This meeting report summarizes the key discussions and decisions made during the Ontario Coalition Healthy School Food Quarterly meeting held on February 26th, 2025.
Updates on funding, research and programs were the primary focus, with attendees including partners, supporters and Coalition key staff members.
School Food programs support student health, wellness, plus provide positive impacts on children’s mental health, to create positive learning experiences, critical thinking and better outcomes in learning.
The Key takeaways from the meeting:
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During breakout rooms, programming was discussed. I would like to highlight, Food For Kids, www.foodforkids.ca. Based out of Hamilton this healthy food program operates in Hamilton, Halton, Mississauga, Niagara, Muskoka and Toronto.
- Food For Kids provides 4,000 children who live in food insecure homes throughout 254 schools. Students are provided with weekend and holiday nutritious meals 52 weeks per year. Volunteers discreetly prepare and distribute food directly to students backpacks on Fridays.
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School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) is funded by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. This fund is to improve infrastructure and equipment for school food programs and compliment the National School Food program. The aim is to improve access to nutritional food. www.agriculture.canada.ca
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Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer, B.Sc. Ph.D. is a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Community Health &Epidemiology. She is currently the chair of the Saskatoon Food Council. She has a doctorate in Nutrition and her research interests include community food security. Rachel noted that although food nutrition has long been recognized as a strong connection to positive learning outcomes, presently there is little data to support these claims on the relevance of school food programs. Data collection is in the beginning stages.
As the goal for the Coalition is to make life more affordable for Ontario families through expanded school food program, they are requesting that the Ontario Government, although committed to school food programs through signing the national school food program agreement in November, expand their funding to $115M in Budget 2025. This will almost double the number of students that can access a mid-morning meal, higher staff and improve infrastructure.
Given the overwhelming economic and social benefits of school food programs, the Coalition recommends that Ontario develop a plan to strategically grow school food programs in the province and commit to a universal school food program by 2030 to offer meaningful on-going support to families, children and youth. Universal, stigma-free school food programs reduce children’s hunger during school hours while improving the diets and learning of children and youth across all socio-economic backgrounds. This is a response to cost-of-living pressures and a relief to Ontario families.
If you would like more information about the Coalition for Healthy School Food, that CFUW Ontario Council supports, please email Wendy Taylor, CFUW OC Education Chair, at education@cfuwontcouncil.org
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy Taylor
CFUW OC Education Chair
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Withdrawing Support for the Ontario Health Coalition
Ontario Council has withdrawn its support for the Ontario Health Coalition due to what CFUW considers breeching our standards of non-partisan rhetoric and published materials. A letter was sent to the OHC this week stating the Board’s decision. Both our letter and the OHC’s rebuttal can be read on our website.
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Some Learnings from Writing an Op-Ed | |
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submitted by Jane Cox, CFUW Sudbury
Crafting an Op Ed does take time and thought. Writers of an Op Ed need to ask several questions. What outcome do I want? What does success look like? Does this piece of writing offer solutions? Know that an Op Ed is just a “thread in the tapestry” regarding solving a problem.
CFUW Sudbury has 18 women volunteering on its Executive. Incorporating their ‘editing’ and acquiring their permission to submit the Op Ed on behalf of CFUW Sudbury was a bit of a challenge. Advice to other Op Ed writers in similar situations; try to send a final and polished Op Ed draft to executive club members. Other advice; It is difficult to get timely responses to the positive question; “Do you agree that this Op Ed may be submitted to The Sudbury Star?” It was easier to gain permission with a statement; “Please email your objection if you believe this Op Ed should not be submitted to The Sudbury Star.”
Inserting Op Eds in the CFUW toolbox seems like a wise move. Motivating clubs with a ‘carrot’ or prize with a draw got our attention! Prompts like these may help stimulate action in the future.
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CNOY - Coldest Night of the Year | |
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What’s in A Name? (Honorary Members)
At the recent Articles and Bylaws webinar held by CFUW National, the issue of Honorary Members was raised. Attendees were reminded that CFUW National’s bylaw states that CFUW Clubs may have only 1 class of club members and that all members have a vote within the Club. Members are counted for quorum, affect voted decisions and are counted for dues to CFUW.
Several clubs have implemented what they call ‘Honorary Membership’ or ‘Honorary Member’ to recognize someone who has supported their club but who does not participate in club voting. To eliminate any confusion with club members who do have a vote and to stay within the National bylaw confines, clubs are encouraged to rename these honorary designations to something other than ‘member’.
From the CFUW (National) Bylaws:
C.7. There shall be one class of member in CFUW. CFUW membership is open to Canadian non-partisan women’s organizations interested in furthering the purposes of CFUW and who have applied for and been accepted for membership by an ordinary motion of the CFUW Board.
C. 11. The qualifications for individual membership in a Club shall be consistent with CFUW administrative policy as set out in Schedule 1 (Definitions of Individual Membership) of these Bylaws.
From the CFUW Member Fact Sheet:
Club Life Members: is a member that the Club chooses to honour for outstanding service to her club by paying her CFUW per capita dues for each life member. Clubs may not charge a life member CFUW per capita dues.
National Honorary Member may be conferred on a woman who has made a significant contribution to CFUW or to the development of Society in a manner consistent with the purposes of CFUW.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ydzHaDE2-WIAWky3GbCXi_e_cNbRhRzy/edit?tab=t.0
It is not the idea of Honorary Members which is at issue, rather, it is the name. Thus, CFUW OC Clubs should change the name of Honorary Member and may consider calling these women Honorary Affiliates, Honorary Associates or Honorary Friends so as to not contravene CFUW National Bylaws.
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Congratulations to CFUW Hamilton!
Founded in 1925, CFUW Hamilton celebrated its 100th anniversary in February. What an incredible milestone!
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Congratulations to CFUW Southport member Laura Robinson!
Laura received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her work as part of a team who helped evacuate female Afghan athletes.
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Congratulations to Joan Conrod,
Past President of CFUW Nepean!
CFUW Nepean Past President Joan Conrod has been honoured with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her outstanding community service and dedication to the Pieces for Peace initiative, held on Parliament Hill in September 2024.
Congratulations, Joan!
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CFUW Ontario East Clubs:
This spring, Ontario East Clubs are doing their part to alleviate Period Poverty by collecting period products to donate to local food banks and charities.
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SAVE THE DATE: October 18th, 2025
CFUW Orillia is planning an Ontario North Fall Gathering for Saturday, October 18th. Mark it on your calendars and plan to attend.
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OC Communications would love to receive a copy of your newsletter to share with other clubs. Please email your newsletter to communications@cfuwontcouncil.org and we will post it on our website. You can see the newsletters here.
Thank you to the following clubs who have already shared their newsletters for March:
Also, please note that we are planning a special edition of the newsletter in April. Because of this, the "regular" newsletter will be sent out on April 16th. Please have your articles and announcements to OC Communications no later than April 9th. Thank you!
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Women Leading Change
Our vision for Ontario Council can be summed up in the following key words:
Education. Action. Advocacy.
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Ontario Council News is a newsletter for and about our Ontario Clubs.
- Because Ontario Council includes close to 50 clubs, we are not able to publish general club meetings, AGMs, scholarship winners and other charitable giving.
- Club newsletters are published on the OC website under Club Actions & Events
- To help you help us, click the link below for all the information you need about our publication schedule, submission deadlines, and preferred format.
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Please share your club's social media posts to
Ontario Council's Facebook and Instagram accounts!
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