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Dear CFUW Ontario Council Members
Welcome to the D&D issue containing the programs for the March 14th, 2015 Standing Committees meetings and Ontario Council updates.
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March 14, 2015
Standing Committees
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Joint Morning Session
Topic: Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Ontario
Speakers: Paddy Buckley, Director, Strategic Policy and Programs, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (TCU)
Professor Bonnie Patterson, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities
Anna Goldfinch, the National Executive Representative for the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario.
Overarching goals for Post-Secondary education transformation in Ontario are to:
- Support student success and access to a high quality Ontario Post-Secondary education;
- Increase the global competitiveness of Ontario's Post-Secondary education;
- Build on and help focus the well-established strengths of Ontario colleges and universities while avoiding unnecessary duplication; and
- Maintain an efficient and financially sustainable Post-Secondary education system.
Vision for Post-Secondary Education in Ontario - Paddy Buckley
Paddy Buckley joined the Ministry as Senior Policy Advisor in 2002, and held four manager positions respectively in the Post-Secondary Education Secretariat, the Post-Secondary Education Division, Programs Division and Corporate Management and Services Division.
Ontario's Post-Secondary education system has come through a decade of unprecedented enrolment growth, with more students benefiting than ever before. In a time of increased fiscal restraint and moderating enrolment growth, we need to make sure Ontario's colleges and universities can continue to thrive and deliver the best possible learning experience for students.
Ontario has chosen a policy of differentiation to build on the existing excellence and diversity found in Ontario's Post-Secondary education system. This presentation will outline how the government will continue to work with our partners, including students and institutions, to continue to transform and improve Post-Secondary education in Ontario.
Transforming Ontario Universities
Professor Bonnie Patterson, has held her post since September 2009. She was the President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University from 1998 to 2009. She has served previously as President of COU from 1995 to 1998, as Dean of Business at Ryerson University (then Ryerson Polytechnic Institute), and chaired and taught at Ryerson's School of Administration and Information Management. She continues to hold her professorial position in Business Administration at Trent. Prof. Patterson is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, and has been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by WXN.
Ontario universities successfully negotiated individual agreements with the province that focus on their particular areas of specialization. This process provided an opportunity to demonstrate how differentiated our sector is, and how universities are building on their strengths. Strategic directions were identified including program areas for growth and priorities for the expansion of graduate studies.
Taken together, these agreements demonstrate the breadth of what universities do now and what they will pursue over the next three years. Improving the student experience, preparing them for the workforce, life-changing research, economic and social development locally and globally, community outreach, and building pathways between institutions, are aspects of SMAs agreed to with government.
Back to Basics: What Students Need in the Post-Secondary Education Sector to Succeed
Anna Goldfinch coordinates the campaigns and services of the student movement nationally and provincially. Previously, Anna served as Vice President External and Campaigns Coordinator at Local 78-Carleton University Graduate Students' Association. Anna has a Bachelor Degree in Community, Public Affairs and Policy studies from Concordia University and a Master's of Public Administration from Carleton University.
The student experience in Ontario is much different than in other provinces. Paying the highest tuition fees and receiving the lowest per student funding, students in Ontario are concerned about the accessibility, affordability and quality of Post-Secondary education in Ontario. These issues could be compounded by new policies like differentiation, strategic mandate agreements and the possibility of a new outcomes-based funding formula. This presentation will present some of the issues that students are facing in the wake of these new policy changes in the sector, as well as sustainable solutions to ensure accessible, affordable and quality Post-Secondary education in Ontario.
Kathy Wosnick, Chair, Education
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March 14, 2015 Afternoon Sessions |
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Topic: Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Ontario
Speakers: Paddy Buckley, Professor Bonnie Patterson, Anna Goldfinch
In the afternoon we will continue to discuss the implications and challenges for Post-Secondary institutions, students and Ontario taxpayers.
Kathy Wosnick , Chair, Education
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Status of Women &
Human Rights Committee
Topic: Using the Gender Lens in the Development of Public Policy
Speaker: Dr. Begum Verjee
This will be an interactive workshop where participants will be able to learn how to use a gender lens in developing public policy.
Dr. Begum Verjee graduated with an M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy, both from the University of British Columbia.
As a higher education professional, community psychology practitioner and social change agent, Dr. Verjee has a strong record in adult and continuing education, program administration, social justice and intercultural education, service-learning and community engagement, student development, retention and success.
With over 20 years of experience working in the fields of diversity and social justice, she has developed programs and initiatives in response to diversity strategies in higher education, government and not-for-profit organizations. She has provided training on diversity related issues, and has worked tirelessly in advocating for community and organizational transformation with a focus on equity and inclusion.
Dr. Verjee is also a Canadian scholar whose contributions speak to community-university partnerships from an anti-colonial and anti-racist perspective. Her work in higher education reflects an overarching focus on integrative anti-oppressive practice and commitment to social justice. This is embedded in over two decades of educational leadership and systems change work in addressing social, economic and health inequities in higher education. Dr. Verjee also has an interest in exploring post-secondary mental health inequities.
Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
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Legislation Committee
Topic: Affordable Housing for Older Women: Challenges and Solutions
Speaker: Older Women's Network
(OWN), www.olderwomensnetwork.org, is an Ontario advocacy organization offering a voice for mid-life and older women facing inequities and discrimination. Housing for older women is one of the many issues OWN is tackling. Women live longer than men, leaving them alone and often in poor health for longer periods. Many find themselves struggling financially in their final years having earned less than their male counterparts due to shorter working careers or lower wages, and with less generous retirement benefits. With the escalating costs of housing in so many of our communities, finding affordable housing is increasingly a challenge.
Our guests from OWN will highlight models of housing for older women, provide examples of some of OWN's housing initiatives, and provide pointers on taking action, including working with municipal leaders and community partners to support housing needs.
Sheila Lacroix, Chair, Legislation
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Standing Committees Meeting
March 14, 2015
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President's Message
March 2015
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 "When we least expect it,
Life sets us a challenge
To test our courage
And willingness to change."
Paulo Coelho
In order to succeed we first must believe that we can. Success is not an accident, but takes hard work, and mustering the courage to continue when facing obstacles and even initial failures. I may not know all the keys to success, but recognize that motivation, having that passion to take action, and persevering to move forward can lead to all kinds of possibilities.
"Defying the Odds...One Step at a Time", the Theme for the CFUW Ontario Council AGM and Conference in Ottawa will introduce us to four inspiring speakers who are champions in their own right. From a ground breaking athlete, to an international author, to a founder of a Kids' orchestra program, and a co-founder of a learning centre to deliver education to women in Afghanistan, we will be strengthened with their stories and encouraged to realize our own dreams and goals. Ordinary women doing the extraordinary well.
As March 8 approaches, clubs are planning for International Women's Day which began in 1909. Over a century of work has been done to promote women's issues, but the work is not done. We can celebrate the past achievements (we are now persons and in the charter of rights), but cannot afford to sit on our laurels. There is much to do. Your efforts in your communities to raise awareness about Violence Against Women, Exploitive Images of Children, Youth in Care, Poverty and Mental Health to name a few, are reaching the ears of those who vote and those who wish to be elected.
Ontario Council has recently had two meetings at Queen's Park on Human Trafficking, the first in January with the Premier's Policy Advisors, and the second in February with the Attorney General Mme Meilleur and her policy advisors. Ontario has the largest number of domestic human trafficking prosecutions (including commercial sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriage). Ontario is home to the majority of foreign human trafficking victims recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Currently Ontario has no Action Plan to combat Human Trafficking, whereas, BC, Alberta and Manitoba does. Ontario needs an Action Plan and a specific Office to Combat Trafficking that can co-ordinate Ontario's response to Human Trafficking. The Premier's Office was very receptive to all of our requests. More effort will be required with the Attorney General. Priorities and funding are always an issue. Ontario Council will be asking for your help with this advocacy.
Ontario Council appreciates the invitation to meet at Queen's Park and being given considerable time
to make presentations and have these discussions. I would like to express my gratitude to Sheila Lacroix, Chair of Legislation and Cheryl Ambrose RD Ontario West who accompanied me.
The Advocacy being done by Ontario Council would not be possible if it were not for the excellent work being done by clubs in their local communities, regionally and nationally. The sharing of expertise, passion for an issue, and the capacity for research and writing is done by volunteers who give generously of their time. Thank you! In closing, I leave you with this thought:
See your goal
Understand the obstacles
Create a positive mental picture
Clear your mind of self-doubt
Embrace the challenge
Stay on track
Show the world you can do it
Sincerely, Brenda
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CFUW Guelph Hosts a Community Child Care Forum: We Need to Get This Right
On Feb. 19th, one of the coldest nights of the winter, more than 70 people gathered at the Guelph YMCA-YWCA to listen to a panel of speakers discussing child care in our communities. The forum was intended to raise awareness, provide information about the role of different levels of government in providing child care and to engage participants in discussions about needed policy changes. The panel consisted of:
- Martha Friendly, the Executive Director of the Child Care Resource and Research Unit, Toronto speaking on a vision for child care in Canada and the need for a National Child Care campaign to take us from vision to action
- Zeenat Janmohamed a visiting Scholar at the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development at the University of Toronto and a faculty member at the School of Early Childhood at George Brown College and Ryerson University in the School of Early Childhood Studies sharing her research on the integration of child care and education with a particular focus on the impact of full day kindergarten and the extended day on families, ECEs and teachers depending on the auspices of care (school board or third party operated)
- Lorna Reid, the Director of the Early Learning and Child Care Centre at the University of Guelph focusing on the challenges faced by child care operators and what is needed by children and by program operators to get Early Childhood Education and Care right.
The audience included a diverse cross section of ECEs, teachers, school board personnel and trustees, parents, grandparents and managers of local agencies as well as our National CFUW Executive Director, Robin Jackson and members of Ontario Council.
Some of the key messages we heard were the need to:
- involve the federal government in setting a framework for a National Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system and funding to support the provincial governments in their role of delivering ECEC
- develop a shared vision and a common language around Early Childhood Education and Care and a commitment from the child care and education sectors to work together to achieve this vision
- provide equity of service so that the needs of all children are met, even those few who have very special needs or those living in rural and underservices areas
- include parents in planning to create a system that provides flexibility and choice so that they can select the program that is the best fit for their child
- develop and support common training, assessments and standards for quality across the system
- include child care operators in the system planning so that new Initiatives do not negatively impact their operations to the point that spaces and programs are closed
CFUW has been advocating for a National Child Care Strategy for over 40 years. With the upcoming federal election we have an opportunity to put child care on the agenda. Here's what you can do:
- vote for child care
- convince others to do the same (we need especially to involve men in this discussion)
- join the national campaign (as a club or individually) - check out: http://rethinkchildcare.ca/
- hold events, like this forum, to bring awareness to the need for affordable, accessible child care
The forum was video-taped and will be shared on social media at a future date. A big thank you to the members of CFUW Guelph for their fundraising efforts and to Ontario Council for the Special Events Grant that made this forum possible.
Teresa McKeeman
Chair, Child Care/Education Working Group
CFUW Guelph
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Each of the following is noted on the OC Website
- Meeting at Queen's Park with Premier's Policy Advisors on Human Trafficking January 22, 2015
- Ontario Council Response to the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan February 13, 2015
- Meeting at Queen's Park with the Attorney General on Human Trafficking February 19, 2015
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Ontario Council AGM and Conference
Ottawa, May 29-30, 2015
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An Invitation to All Members of Ontario Clubs to Attend the 2015 Ontario Council AGM and Conference
May 29 and 30
By the time you are reading this article, the registration form for the Ontario Council AGM and Conference, held in Ottawa this year, will have been posted on the Ontario Council website.
cfuwontcouncil.ca
You need to remember two dates:
April 29 is the deadline for registering for your room at the Hilton Garden Inn-Airport (HGI) in Ottawa if you want the special conference rate of $139. (It's a good deal) Don't forget to give them the code CFUW.
May 15 is the deadline for registering for the conference if you want your name included in the draw for prizes such as jewellry, gift baskets, wine etc. Of course your early registration also helps us plan for final numbers more accurately.
We know that life is busy, but we also know that taking a break helps rejuvenate the spirit. So why not join us on May 29 and 30 in Ottawa at the Hilton Garden Inn - Airport. We would love to greet you and welcome you to our lovely city.
The Hilton Garden Inn conference room rate of $139 per room (two queen beds) is quite reasonable, especially given the size of the rooms. After April 29, attendees will pay the regular rate which fluctuates between $149 and $199 per room. So get your room mate and reserve a room in April. To see pictures of the hotel, go to www.ottawaairport.hgi.com.
When reserving the room (1-866-235-1060) use the code CFUW to ensure you get the conference rate.
Nancy Devillers,
Co-Chair, LAC Ontario AGM and Conference
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2015 AGM Conference and
Convention Information
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CFUW ONTARIO COUNCIL
AGM and Conference
May 29 & 30, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn - Airport
OTTAWA
For more information Visit
www.cfuwontcouncil.ca
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
AGM and CONVENTION
June 18 - 21, 2015
Hotel Chateau Laurier
QUEBEC CITY
For More Information Visit
www.cfuw.org
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CFUW Ontario-Huron October 17, 2015
CFUW Ontario North October 24, 2015
CFUW Ontario Central November 7, 2015
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| Club Anniversaries in 2015 |
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Congratulations!!
CFUW Ottawa 1910 105
CFUW London 1920 95
CFUW Hamilton 1925 90
CFUW Chatham Kent 1945 70
CFUW Oshawa & District 1945 70
CFUW Guelph 1945 70
CFUW Brantford 1945 70
CFUW Orillia 1955 60
CFUW Leaside/East York 1955 60
CFUW Cornwall & District 1955 60
CFUW Perth & District 1970 45
CFUW Orangevill & District 1975 40
CFUW Saugeen 1985 30
CFUW Southport 1990 25
CFUW Kanata 1995 20
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Charitable Trust Day at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake
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CFUW Charitable Trust Day at the Theatre
Sweet Charity by Neil Simon
Matinee 2:00 Pm
April 29, 2015
Festival Theatre
A Dazzling Musical! Come experience the bold and colourful world of '1960s New York through the eyes of Charity Hope Valentine. The dance hall hostess dreams of a brighter future but she can't help but give her heart to all the wrong guys! Then she meets the meek but sweet Oscar Lindquist when they get trapped in an elevator. Could he be the man to change Charity's luck? Songs like 'Big Spender' and 'lf My Friends Could See Me Now' paired with a book by Neil Simon made this a Broadway hit in 1966.
Tickets will be sold at $65 pp with a donation going to the Fellowships Awards supported by the CFUW Charitable Trust.
This year we will be sending attendees receipts for the charitable portion of the cost. (approx $15.00).
To do this we will need the full mailing address of the people receiving receipts. It is helpful to the Charitable Trust if we can mail a group's tickets to one address. We must receive ticket orders on or before Thursday, March 12, 2015. Cheques are to be made out to CFUW Charitable Trust and mailed with the order to:
Treasurer, CFUW Charitable Trust, 62 Thompson Ave. Etobicoke, ON, MBZ 3T4
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