"One day you can be a hero & the next day you can walk down the street and see the story of your life half price in the bookstore" - Audrey McLaughlin, first woman leader of a federal party (NDP)
Like her or dislike her, none can dispute that in the world of politics, Audrey McLaughlin made history and broke ground. Alas how long ago was that and where are we today?
Today is election day and by the time you receive this letter the results will be in, the new government will be positioning itself to make its mark, and the half price books will be on the shelves of all the bookstores. It appears from the indicators thus far that our work as a Network will be ever more important.
The women of COG met last week to discuss emerging and ongoing issues for the Network. This past meeting was a transition for some of the members of COG. Nancy Hassen and Ruth Card were attending their last meeting and we welcomed Cathy Anderson and Laura Balas. Marilee sent us all greetings from Mexico and we acknowledge that she has moved from COG but celebrate she is a part of the planning team for 2007 November Event. We are still looking for another woman to fill our membership. We include in this mailing the Nominations Form for your consideration.
The Planning Team for the 2006 is Allison, Nancy, Kathryn and Mary. It is good to know that planning teams are ready to plan the next two November events.
Watch for updates and information on the SCFN website. We encourage you to visit the site regularly. If you wish to add items to our website please send in your requests to the Webweavers.
We heard from some women in response to our letter to women of our Network who have either missed renewal or moved to different communities. We look forward to hearing from others in the future.
Everyone agrees that Unbeaten Paths is a wonderful way to receive access to articles of interest for women of all ages. We are monitoring our costs for this publication and while we recognize it is of great importance we need your help in assessing the cost effectiveness. We encourage you to consider again subscribing and sharing with other women. We invite you to pay for a subscription to give to a friend. If you no longer subscribe consider again how it may be brought back into your life. We welcome your feedback.
The Law Reform Consultation committee invited representatives of the SCFN into conversation about the revocation of wills at the time of marriage or divorce. We had considerable discussion about this topic at our meeting and concluded that we would send a response letter outlining our suggestions and concerns. We considered the potential for both benefit and damage to women and their children, no matter which option is chosen as the default position. Should there be a revocation of wills at the time of divorce or marriage? It became clear to us that it is critical to have information available at the time of divorce or marriage in order that women could prepare themselves for the consequences of such a change. We suggested that the Law Reform Consultation body prepare a document outlining the issue, and emphasizing that following either marriage or divorce, it is essential that individuals make a new will. We suggested that such information might be distributed to issuers of marriage licenses and to clergy and marriage commissioners, so that they can share it with those they serve. We also recommended sharing the responsibility with lawyers who could ensure that they advice clients of this important fact when seeking a divorce. In addition, we raised our concern for those living in long term relationships that are not marriages where there are no easy points of access to the information they need about revocation of wills. Educating the public about this important point of law is vital in our opinion.
This is a reminder for all of us that we should be sure to do our wills!
"I am a firm believer in women - in their ability to do things and in their influence and power. Women set the standards for the world, and it is for us, women in Canada, to set the standards high." - Nellie McClung 1910
The women who make up COG send you warm greetings and strength for the journey. It is a pleasure to share with you these highlights of our latest meeting. I am a firm believer in women - in the good women of this Network. May we continue to set standards in the world that are achievable and equitable so that all may participate.
for COG,
Lynn Elliott
Website maintained by
Laurel Beyer
and
Cathy Anderson
