2016 Annual Report – National Chairperson of Legislation
Nancy Simms
National Chairperson of Legislation
2016 Annual Report
Sub-Committee Chairpersons:
Life Members Ann Devlin (B.C.& Yukon) and Dorothy Johansen (Alberta Mackenzie)
Members were challenged to keep informed on the numerous bills, both federal and provincial that pertained to League resolutions. They were encouraged to participate in the Parliament of Canada e-petition regarding Resolution 2016.05 Amend the Canada Health Act to Include Home Care as an Insured Health Service as well as the petition to “…specifically identify hospice palliative care as a defined medical service covered under the Canada Health Act…” which garnered over 25,000 signatures. This petition was presented to the House of Commons. Members also attended public forums at various levels of government.
Action Taken on Federal Legislation from the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session
• Bill C-14 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) – (Resolution 2016.04 Amend the Canada Health Act to Identify Palliative Care as an Insured Health Service and Resolution 2016.05 Amend the Canada Health Act to Include Home Care as an Insured Service)
• Bill S-5 An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-smokers’ Health Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (Resolution 2014.03 Flavoured Tobacco Products Ban)
• Bill S-201 Genetic Non-Discrimination Act
• Bill C-211 Federal Framework on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act
• Bill C-206 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (abuse of vulnerable persons) – (Resolution 1999.01 Elder Abuse/Assault Awareness)
• Bill C-204 An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender expression)
• Bill C-223 Canadian Organ Donor Registry Act (Resolution 2011.03 National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry)
• Bill C-277 Framework on Palliative Care in Canada Act (Resolution 2016.04 Amend the Canada Health Act to Identify Palliative Care as an Insured Health Service and Resolution 2007.02 Hospice Palliative Care: An Integral Component of the Canadian Health Care System)
Action Taken on Provincial Legislation
Members in New Brunswick took action on Bill-12 An Act Respecting Agreements with the Canada Revenue Agency which revises the Family Income Security Act, the Family Services Act, the New Brunswick Housing Act and the Nursing Homes Act. They also took action on Bill-23 An Act to amend the Tobacco Tax Act. Members in Nova Scotia studied and acted on Bill-131 Maintenance and Custody Act. Members in Alberta monitored Bill 10 An Act to Amend the Alberta Bill of Rights to Protect our Children. Members in Ontario monitored five bills from protection of freedom of con-science to micro-bead elimination.
Other Resolutions Acted Upon Were
• Resolution 1997.10 Amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Interpretations Act to Recognize the Child as a Human Being from Conception
• Resolution 2004.06 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
• Resolution 2006.05 GST Exemption of Funeral Services
• Resolution 2014.05 Old Age Security Allowance for Individuals 60-64 Years of Age Regardless of Marital Status
Provincial Chairpersons’ Comments
• Members needed a greater understanding of legislation, possibly through more training.
• Understanding of legislation regarding refugees was needed.
• Members needed to publicize the amazing impact the standing committee on legislation can have on society.
Nova Scotia Provincial Legislation Chairperson Toosje Van De Sande’s closing remarks in her annual report captured the true essence of the work being done through this committee. She stated, “We certainly see a challenge here when we look at the statistics of the actual participation of our CWL councils in the legislative process. However, we will not lose heart. We are asked to be open to the movements of the Spirit as we live out our new theme One in the Spirit, Women Respond to God’s Call.