Nancy Johnson
RWC Rep
Prairie Region Council November 2015
Attended the National Human Rights Committee meeting in Ottawa early November where the equity groups met and discussed their priorities for the next three years. The Women’s four priorities are:
- Women’s Leadership
- Child Care
- Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls
- Domestic Violence at work
Encouraged the National Human Rights Committee members to attend a rally while in Ottawa on Parliament Hill during our lunch break about MMIW and action plan for a National inquiry. It was a very moving rally, red dresses were held representing the missing women and girls.
I have participated in two conference calls with the Women’s Working Group representatives.
The National Human Rights Conference will be held in Toronto in March 2017, which means that I’ll be working with the REVP, Regional staff and the chairs of the RWC’s to organize our Regional Women’s Conference that returns to Manitoba.
Lead contact for the March 19th day of action is Saskatoon. Guest speakers Emanuelle Tremblay CAPE President, and Scott Bell, NDP candidate for Grasswoods. Many unions participated and about 93 activists were in attendance. There was great coverage and many photos take which were sent to Jeffrey for posting. Thanks to Jackie and Karen for taking care of the food and refreshments. Saskatoon CTV and Global had great coverage of the event.
Attended the PSAC National Convention in Quebec City where I was the 1st elected women’s delegate and was honoured to speak on resolutions of MMIW-national inquiry, child care and domestic violence at work. Networking with delegates prior to the resolutions hitting the floor really made a difference when it was time for debating. All the resolutions were voted concurrence and now so the work begins.
I will be meeting with the Edmonton Women’s Committee in November and assist them in their planning and financial reporting requirements for 2016.
As the PSAC VP on the SFL, I am the chair of the Women’s committee where I have been connecting with other affiliates to raise awareness on women’s issues. The committee has partnered with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses in Saskatchewan (PATHS), who has received funding from Status of Women for a 3 year project, titled “Working Together to Build Protective Factors into Workplace Policies and Procedures for Victims of Intimate partner Violence. The project will partner with unions to develop policy, programs, and tools to assist employees who may be experiencing violence and empower all employees to know what to do when encountering situations of violence. The National Human Rights Committee, women’s working group will be reviewing the PATHS project proposal.
A PSAC Women’s Forum on the results of the CLC Domestic Violence Survey and how PSAC can move forward will be held in December.
Thank you Marianne for your prize donation to the SFL convention, Women’s Committee luncheon, it was very much appreciated.
Attended the Setting the Stage for the Next Federal Election training in August and canvassed in the targeted riding of Saskatoon West candidate Sheri Benson, who was successful in winning her riding, as well as candidate Claire Card, NDP candidate.
Organized and planned the Saskatoon RWC and AC candidate’s forum and REVP was our moderator and did a great job. Participated and organized mail-outs for Saskatoon Area Council and RWC, participated in the regional telephone town hall about federal elections and the webinar on letter writing.
All our RWC’s were active in activities around the federal election and it was positive to see all the components working together.
Participated and organized activities for national childcare week, where members chalked up sidewalks in the downtown core and at local parks, volunteered and organized a PSAC/UTE pizza day for the Summer Snack Program. Provided snacks and refreshments for aboriginal walkers as they walked through Saskatoon on their walk across Canada to raise awareness against MMIW and the need for an inquiry.
RWC’s across the prairies attended/organized October 4th candle light vigils, participated in Take Back the Night marches and are preparing for December 6th events.
I thank each and every one of our volunteer chairs and participants who are raising awareness on issues that affect women and girls and our union sisters, your work continues to make this a better place for all.
In solidarity,
Sister Nancy Johnson