2006 Annual Report of
Saskatchewan Provincial Council
Joan Petracek Provincial President

The companions on the journey theme continued to be embraced by the 172 parish councils, with a total of 8,699 paid members. Members prepared to launch the new theme, Love One Another, as introduced at the annual national convention by the national president-elect. One new council was chartered in Regina; two parish closures resulted in the closing of their League councils.

The winter executive meeting was held at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster. The revision of the provincial manual of policy and procedure was completed, having last been updated in 1993. The provincial newsletter was well received.

On May 4th, three executive members met with the minister of agriculture and the minister of northern affairs/Status of Women. Items of concern relating past resolutions were discussed. The delegation was well received.

A local parish council and the regional council hosted the annual provincial convention. The theme presenter spoke on Mary as Our Companion. The palliative care presentation moved many to tears. An emergency resolution, Terminator/Genetic Use Restriction Technology, was accepted and forwarded to the national resolutions committee. The 2006 resolution, Health Care Funding of Treatment for all Forms of Age-related Macular Degeneration, was one of the discussion items as executive members met with staff from the department of health. Executive members also met with the minister of community services and a representative of the justice minister. It was hoped that these government meetings would become an annual event.

Three provincial executive members attended the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO) General Assembly in Arlington, Virginia. Their attendance was an awakening to the many beautiful League sisters in 49 countries in the world. A short presentation on their experience was given at the provincial convention. They also did an inspiring WUCWO workshop at the fall provincial workshop, held at St. Michael's Retreat, Lumsden. This workshop was held in conjunction with the fall executive meeting and rotated through the three dioceses.

A workshop on trafficking of women and children invoked much discussion, as did the presentation on Visitation House in Regina. The WUCWO workshop resulted in attending members compiling a resource list of speakers and activities.

The provincial council established a social justice award, intended for young women engaged in social justice activity at home and abroad. The successful candidate may receive up to $1,000 per year.

The provincial president attended the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan annual convention, Knights of Columbus state convention, and represented provincial members at the annual national convention, as well as at two national executive meetings.