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“Legislative activity is always best based on care for the people” (Pope Francis).

Greetings to my Sisters in the League!
I am thrilled to be elected once again to the national executive and look forward to my new position as chairperson of legislation.

According to the federal government website www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/abouthealth-canada/legislation-guidelines/legislation.html, legislation is defined as:

“Legislation, also known as the acts, are forms of law that can provide the authority to make regulations. Generally, legislation begins as a bill (draft form), and can originate either in the House of Commons or in the Senate. For a bill to become law, it must be approved by both the House of Commons and the Senate, and by the Governor General of Canada (the Crown). Bills are discussed by members of both Houses during what is formally known as First Reading, Second Reading and Third Reading, and are also submitted to a Parliamentary Committee for review. The Committee usually seeks out the views of interested parties, including the public. The final stage of the enactment of a bill is when it receives Royal Assent. The timing of Royal Assent is determined by the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons in consultation with the Leader of the Government in the Senate. An Act has the force of law upon Royal Assent, unless it is provided in the Act that it will come into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council (Cabinet).”

The “C” of the “CWL” stands for Catholic, but could also stand for compassionate, concerned or conscientious women aware of issues in communities, prepared to spring to action. One way to do this is by monitoring and studying federal government legislation.

It all begins with a concern or issue a member, or someone they know, may have or had to deal with. One such serious issue, which falls under the legislation standing committee, had a resolution adopted at the 98th annual national convention. Resolution 2018.03 Legislate Designation of Hospice/Palliative Care Services in Facilities to Exclude Medical Assistance in Dying.

The action plan encourages members to:

  1. Write to the prime minister, ministers of justice and health, and local members of parliament urging the federal government to legislate designation or hospice/palliative care free from medical assistance in dying.
  2. Educate members on keeping hospice and palliative care free from medical assistance in dying.
  3. Where hospices are performing medical assistance in dying, withdraw all funding. Write to the board of directors of hospices stating the reason for the withdrawal of donations.
  4. Monitor the federal government’s response to the request contained in the resolution.

The House of Commons resumed its sitting sessions on September 17, 2018. Information can be found at parl.gc.ca/housechamberbusiness/chambercalendar. “LEGISinfo is an essential research tool for finding information on legislation before Parliament.” Visit parl.gc.ca/LEGISInfo to view bills under consideration in either the Senate or the House of Commons.

Should you have any questions, concerns or information you would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact me. Remember, legislation begins as a bill and a resolution begins with a concern from the grass roots. Let’s put faith into action.

“We can change the world and make it a better place.
It is in our hands to make a difference” (Nelson Mandela).

May Our Lord journey with us and may Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us as we work together for
His people.
Betty Colaneri
National Chairperson of Legislation