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Dear CFUW Ontario Council Members
Welcome to the D&D issue containing the reports from the March 14th, 2015 Standing Committees Meeting 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
Paddy Buckley, Director, Strategic Policy and Programs, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, began the morning session presenting the Ministry's goals and mandates which are transforming Ontario's Post- Secondary Education System. Based in a vision of students at the centre of education in Ontario, the Ministry released a Differentiation Policy Framework for post-secondary education in 2013. Strategic Mandate Agreements (SMAs)
have been signed with all 44 publicly assisted colleges and universities, which will help guide future growth by encouraging more focused and thoughtful development based on each institution's unique strengths. SMAs make it easier to know what each institution is doing. While quality outcomes are expected, no specific targets have been set to this point. A funding formula review is also underway. Further detailed information, including the Framework policy and access to all SMA's is available on the Ministry website http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng.
Professor Bonnie Patterson, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), discussed common themes among Strategic Mandate Agreements reached bilaterally between each institution and the Ministry. SMAs are a subset of each college or university's strategic plan, and a "conversation" around each institution's core programs. SMAs reinforce common missions and are committed to innovations such as technology-enabled and experiential learning. Changing demographics of the post-secondary population combined with reductions in operating grants and revenues necessitate finding a balance of specialization, competition and collaboration among institutions. Ontario post-secondary institutions are asking the Ministry, rather than intervention and stewardship, to give them space and support to modernize their programs in line with current needs. Further information is available on the COU website www.cou.on.ca or by contacting Prof. Bonnie M. Patterson at 416-979-2165 Ext.256 or bpatterson@cou.on.ca.
Anna Goldfinch, National Executive Representative, Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario reviewed recent changes to this province's post-secondary system, using a student lens. Ontario students pay the highest tuition fees in the country (using Statistics Canada data), and carry record levels of debt. This is a particularly onerous burden on marginalized and low income families and women who can expect lower wages in part-time jobs and upon graduation. While government funding to post-secondary institutions has decreased, tuition fees have increased, therefore students increasingly carry the burden of institutional costs. Due in large part to budgetary constraints, Ontario has the highest ratio of students to faculty, with an increased reliance on part-time, session or contract teachers, rather than tenure track faculty, actually teaching students.The Federation of Students is concerned about government assertions that although
differentiation is "not a cost saving measure, it is expected to save costs". They have labelled Strategic Mandate Agreements as a dangerous experiment that will continue to reduce funding, decrease program choices and further disenfranchise rural, northern, Aboriginal and francophone students.
Kathy Wosnick, Chair, Education Comittee
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March 14, 2015 Afternoon Sessions |
Sexual Assault on Ontario Campuses
Speaker: Anna Goldfinch, Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario
1 in 5 women experience sexual assault while attending a post-secondary institution. Sexual assault continues to be a very serious issue at every college and university campus in Ontario. Since 1981, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) has led the charge against sexual assault and harassment on campus through the No Means No campaign, which focuses on raising awareness and providing consent education.
Anna outlined some of the issues surrounding rape culture on campuses, which includes a lack of clear sexual assault policies at post-secondary institutions (at only 9 out of 102 universities across Canada as of 2014). In 2014, the Ontario Women's Directorate released A Response to Sexual Violence: A Resource Guide for Ontario's Universities and Colleges. On March 6th, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced It's Never OK: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment, with a broad mandate to raise public awareness, challenge deeply rooted attitudes and behaviors, help and support survivors, strengthen laws and to improve safety on campuses. CFS specifically recommends: mandated sexual assault policies at each post-secondary institution (created with significant student input), a six million dollar sexual assault resource fund specifically for pos-tsecondary use, and that a post-secondary sexual assault accountability division be created by the government of Ontario. CFUW members who attended this session were given contact information in order to communicate their thoughts on this topic to the Ontario government. Information about this Ontario government initiative can be found at: www.ontario.ca/home-and-community/we-can-all-help-stop-sexual-violence.
More information from the Canadian Federation of Students Ontario, on both these topics is available at www.cfsontario.ca.
Kathy Wosnick, Chair, Education Committee
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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 afternoon interactive session facilitated by guest speaker, Dr. Begum Verjee was insightful and offered the opportunity for stimulating discussions. During introductions, each attendee was asked to provide a definition of the term, 'Gender Lens' which was new to some of our members. The descriptions that threaded through the brainstorming included viewpoint based on gender, inclusiveness, and impact on policies and practices. Begum gave us a definition of Gender.
Gender refers to the roles and responsibilities of men and women that are created in our families, our societies and our cultures. The concept of gender also includes the expectations held about the characteristics, aptitudes and likely behaviors of both women and men (femininity and masculinity). Gender roles and expectations are learned. They can change over time and they vary within and between cultures. Systems of social differentiation such as political status, class, ethnicity, physical and mental disability, age and more, modify gender roles. The concept of gender is vital because, applied to social analysis, it reveals how women's subordination (or men's domination) is socially constructed. As such, the subordination can be changed or ended (UNESCO).
The second activity involved small group discussion on why and how Gender is a social determinant of health which was then shared with the whole group.
The next activity centered on how to insert a Gender Lens into public policy.
- Gender Equality means that women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full human rights and for contributing to, and benefiting from, economic, social, cultural and political development.
- Gender Equality is therefore the equal valuing by society of the similarities and the differences of men and women, and the roles they play. It is based on women and men being full partners in their home, their community and their society.
- Gender Equity is the process of being fair to men and women. To ensure fairness, measures must often be put in place to compensate for the historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from operating on a level playing field. Equity is a means. Equality is the result. (UNESCO)
Using a Gender Lens in Public Policy - Interventions addressing strategic gender interests provide focus on
fundamental issues related to women's (or, less often, men's) subordination and gender inequities. Strategic gender interests are long-term, usually not material, and are often related to structural changes in society regarding women's status and equity. They include legislation for equal rights, reproductive choice, and increased participation in decision-making. Gender-
mainstreaming is a process rather than a goal. Efforts to integrate gender into existing institutions have little value for their own sake. We mainstream gender concerns to achieve gender equality.....
Throughout the session, women's experiences were being recounted, from lack of research on women's health, to the importance of public education for equality in politics and in the boardroom. To build the evidence base on how to change public institutions and policies to better foster gender equality and raise awareness among policy makers and planners, men need to be involved in gender equality issues. A Gender Lens can be used to monitor and evaluate gender sensitivity to communications such as posters and other advertisements. This is a tool that governments should be using regularly in creating policy.
Other Resources:
Mikkonen, J., & Raphael, D. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and Management. Retrieved from
Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
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Legislation Committee
Topic: Affordable Housing for Older
Women: Challenges and Solutions
Speakers: Erin Harris
www,olderwomensnetwork.ca
Norma Gamble, Older Women's Network (OWN) Housing Committee and SuitePEAS:
OWN is a volunteer advocacy organization, which works independently and in partnership with like-minded organizations for social justice, with a focus on issues relating to mid life and older women in Canada. OWN's mission reflects the values of CFUW. One part of its mission is working to achieve safe, secure spaces for women to live with dignity through exploring, promoting and implementing affordable housing options and strategies for influencing government policy makers.
Erin Harris provided some history of OWN and their work in housing. OWN was founded in Toronto in 1986. At one time there were chapters throughout Ontario but the only one remaining is in Peterborough. OWN has always advocated for a National Housing Strategy. Canada is the only G8 country without one! OWN was involved in establishing one of the first older women's cooperative housing project. After 10 years of planning and financial support from the Status of Women, the OWN Housing Co-op opened 17 years ago. OWN members were given first choice of suites. Although it is not dedicated to housing older women, it does support OWN's commitment to affordable housing, as 70% of the units are subsidized for people of low or fixed income. It also houses the OWN provincial office.
Erin mentioned the Housing Factor Project, initiated by OWN in 2000. In six Ontario communities, information about the availability of housing and housing needs of mid-life and older women was collected through surveys and focus groups. Women want to age 'in place', in their homes and communities. Key issues of concern are transportation and mobility. Twenty-two recommendations were made but Erin reported that these have not been followed through by any levels of government. The summary of the report including the recommendations is available on the OWN website.
Norma Gamble stressed that women love living in
community. Often they don't wait for government to act. She mentioned four examples from around the world where women have taken the initiative to band together in communal living arrangements, sometimes for safety. One example is the Umoja Village in Kenya. She also highlighted the Beguines of the Middle Ages, women who lived closely together, served the community and were free to leave. The 'beguinage' was not a religious order.
SuitePEAS is one of many housing models called cluster housing promoted by OWN housing committee. Norma described a co-op-like initiative, SuitePEAS being an example, to re-purpose large houses into flats, with common kitchens and dining rooms. Residents form a corporation, with each buying a share, which can be sold. Equipment, cars and upkeep can be shared. The residents form a community, avoiding isolation.
In a nutshell, the following is needed:
- A national housing strategy,
- A housing list in Ontario, with a priority listing for women over 65,
- Women's groups to influence developers to build more rental housing,
- Sustainable housing projects,
- More accessible housing units with bathroom bars, wide doors, etc., and,
- Housing with integrated supportive services.
There is also a lack of transitional housing for women who have been evicted. In fact, there should be zero tolerance for evicting women over 65. One supportive organization is www.acto.ca, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants of Ontario (ACTO).
For the 2014 municipal election in Toronto, OWN made questions available to the public to ensure that affordable housing was on the agenda. OWN also made the point that in Toronto no new condo buildings are being built with accessible units which is against the building code, obviously not being enforced. Being a watchdog is something we can all do in our jurisdictions.
You are urged to visit the OWN website and check out its work and resources. Read about the OWN Housing Literacy Series: What Really Works in Creating Affordable Housing? recorded from a series of public meetings featuring guest speakers involved in various housing projects. For advocacy tips see fact sheet Tackling the Housing Crisis for women over Fifty.
It has been a pleasure to chair this committee for 2014/15. I hope those who attended the meetings have been inspired to take some of the ideas and resources provided by our guest speakers back to their clubs for action. I realize there are so many issues that it can be overwhelming. We must pick and choose, but, many of the strategies are generic and our guests over the year are certainly passionate, positive role models.
Sheila Lacroix, Chair, Legislation
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Empowering The Future: Best Evidence for Investing in Early Childhood Education for Canada
Members of the Toronto Caucus Ad Hoc Committee on Poverty attended a Press Conference on March 10th, 2015 where an Open Letter was distributed signed by 150 academics, researchers and scholars "to move forward in investing in young children using the comprehensive body of scientific research available." As well as Canadian academic presenters there were contributions from the Brazilian and Chilean communities.
Copies of the Open Letter, entitled " Empowering
the Future: Best Evidence for Investing in Early Childhood Education for Canada" were distributed. The document describes six findings from the scientific literature that show why investment in early childhood is important.
This document is available at www.ECinCanada.ca.
If you go on the website you may wish to add your support to the letter.
Information about another important tool was also
received. The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development has been updated. It can be accessed at www.child-encyclopedia.com.
We are excited about this development and hope you will agree and share information about these documents with your colleagues.
Should you require more information I may be
reached at mjmcgovern@sympatico.ca
Margaret McGovern
Chair, Toronto Caucus CFUW
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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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Ontario Council AGM and Conference
May 29 and 30
The registration form for the Ontario Council AGM and Conference, held in Ottawa this year, is on the Ontario Council website.
cfuwontcouncil.ca
Important 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
Theme: Preserving Voices: Past, Present, and Future Uniflor Educationl Centre, Port Elgin Hosts: CFUW Southport Contact Person: Susan MacDonald,
LAC Committee
Theme: Empowerment - Letting Your Power Out
LOCATION: Fern Resort, Orilliia
Contact: Karen Thorington President
kat60@rogers.com
CFUW Ontario Central November 7, 2015
Theme: Talking it Out
Round Table Discussions involving the
President/VP, Membership, Program and Advocacy Chairs from the 13 Clubs in the Region.
A Great Opportunity to Share Best Practices
and Next Practices
Everyone Welcome!
Organized by Committee
Regional Director, Pat Joyce
416-622-5628
patjoyce103@yahoo.com
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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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