2011 Annual Report – Laws
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Legislation Standing Committee
Terri Scott, Chairperson
2011 Annual Report
Sub-committee Chairperson
Honorary Life Member Marie Cameron
In the spring edition of The Canadian League, I wrote that Canadians have the freedom to lobby government without reprisal. The reports confirmed that members were eager and anxious to vent frustrations, air views and offer opinions to members of government. Voting at federal and provincial elections was strongly encouraged, and members exercised their right to vote.
Monitor/Study Legislation at all Levels of Government
Legislative issues warranted e-mails, petitions, letters and telephone calls to all levels of government including opposition to the legalization of euthanasia/assisted suicide, the absence of an abortion law and maternity benefits being claimed post abortion. Hansard was an excellent way to read verbatim exchanges in parliament on issues of interest.
Federal Bills Monitored
41st Parliament, 1st Session (June 2, 2011 – )
C-10 An Act To Enact The Justice For Victims Of Terrorism Act And To Amend The State Immunity Act, The Criminal Code, The Controlled Drugs And Substances Act, The Corrections And Conditional Release Act, The Youth Criminal Justice Act, The Immigration And Refugee Protection Act And Other Acts
C-19 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act
C-212 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (luring a child outside Canada)
C-213 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (means of communication for child luring)
C-228 An Act respecting a National Appreciation Day
C-233 An Act to eliminate poverty in Canada
C-257 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (mandatory labelling for genetically modified foods)
C-268 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (No GST on funeral arrangements)
C-276 & 279 An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender expression)
C-304 An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting freedom)
C-310 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons)
C-373 An Act to establish the Department of Peace
C-384 An Act to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act (publication of information)
C-386 An Act to amend the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (tanning equipment) and to warn Canadians of the cancer risks of using tanning equipment
C-389 An Act to implement the recommendations of the Pay Equity Task Force
40th Parliament, 3rd Session (March 3, 2010 – March 6, 2011)
C-22 An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service
C-269 An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (victim – trafficking in persons)
C-304 An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians
C-384 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity)
C-389 An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender expression)
C-428 An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (residency requirement)
C-510 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (coercion)
C-545 An Act to eliminate poverty in Canada
Two resolutions that resulted in further action were:
2009.02 Protection and Support Services for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking
2005.11 Assisted Suicide – A Criminal Offence
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Concerns/Suggestions
Many councils have combined resolutions and legislation committees. However, when there was no chairperson, members monitored government legislation on-line and on television or read newspapers. More than one report stated it was difficult to spark interest in legislation. Members could not make the connection between government and the League. On a positive note, two councils held workshops and reported success. One comment was to initiate a mentorship program to educate and build enthusiasm for this standing committee.
Conclusion
I attended executive meetings, prepared three communiqués, wrote an article for The Canadian League, served on the national resolutions committee, brought greetings on behalf of national council to conventions and anniversary banquets, was guest speaker at our sister organization the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada and monitored federal legislation.This report represents an account of how members were Centred on Faith & Justice.