Press Release – 97th annual national convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, August 10, 2017 – Nine hundred thirty-eight members, spiritual advisors and guests attended the 97th Annual National Convention of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada at the Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. They gathered to pray, celebrate faith and sister/brotherhood, hear reports and inspiring speakers and deliberate on issues facing the League and the world today.
In his homily at the opening Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of the Transfiguration, Most Rev. Richard Grecco, Bishop of Charlottetown reminded League members and parishioners gathered that they are all given previews of the Resurrection. Like the apostles, they too have to go back down the mountain.
Speakers who addressed those attending the convention were: Ken Yasinski, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who spoke on two topics – “Becoming a Living Thank You” and “A Catholic Identity Crisis”; Dr. Reginald Bibby, one of Canada’s leading experts on religious and social trends, who spoke on his research with Angus Reid in Canada’s Catholics; and Dr. June Webber, director of the Coady International Institute in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Donna Dunn, a senior consultant with Tecker International, facilitated a town hall session with live-feed called “Building on Foundation, the League of the Future”.
Four resolutions were adopted by national council:
- 2017.01 Full Implementation of the Supreme Court Decision in R. v. Gladue for Indigenous Offenders
- 2017.02 Mandatory Age Verification Mechanisms for Adult Pornographic Websites
- 2017.03 Zero-Rated Status under the Goods and Services Tax Provisions of the Excise Tax Act for Child Safety Products
- 2017.04 Protection from Coercion of Conscience for Healthcare Professionals
A letter will be sent from national council to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) expressing support of its statement on the passage of Bill C-16 An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code. Further, a letter will be sent from national council to the prime minister expressing deep concern that Bill C-16 fails to respect the fundamental rights of freedom of religion and speech of those having different views concerning transgenderism and requesting a meeting with him on this issue.
About The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is one of the largest organizations of women in Canada with over 82,000 members represented in every province and territory and in the military. With a membership representing a wide cross-section of Canadian society, the League has received the commendation and keen appreciation of federal, provincial and municipal authorities for the voluntary services ably performed by its nationwide membership.
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For further information, contact Shari Guinta at (204) 927-2310 or communications@cwl.ca