The current project of NCWC and the National Council of Women of Canada Education Fund, the Water/Energy Project has many reports and links to resources that we encourage you to review.
A Flash Sheet, prepared by the National Council of Women of Canada representative to Campaign 2000 - An Update on Campaign 2000 and the 2004 Report Card
Securing Our Future
An initiative of the National Council of Women of Canada Funded by Status of Women Canada and the Social Development Partnerships Program of Human Resources Development Canada
The Securing Our Future Summary Report (March 31, 2002), English reviews the:
Project Publications Thinktanks National Roundtable Community Roundtable Events Nest Steps: Strategy Guide and Beyond and the List of Members, Project Advisory Committee
An initiative of the National Council of Women of Canada Funded by Status of Women Canada Prepared by the Core Advisory Committee: Ruth Brown, Joyce Ireland, Annette Werk, Helen Saravanamuttoo (Chair)
The Forum, generously sponsored by Status of Women Canada, occurred on 5 June 1999 in Winnipeg, in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC). The intention of the Forum, the first step of a national initiative, was to gather together NCWC members, youth representatives from across Canada and informed professionals for a one day event which would inform members on issues of girls and young women as victims and perpetrators of violence.
National Council of Women Energy Conservation Report, 1995
Conclusions from the Report The internalization of a conservation ethic resulting from government campaigns during the 2nd World War and the 70's oil crisis, is evident in the numbers of survey respondents who mentioned turning off the lights, turning down the heat, and using energy efficient cars.
To make further energy conservation changes instinctive in this way, takes time, effort and a major campaign at all levels to be effective, particularly since we are, as one respondent noted, "Too well adjusted to the good life!" Another noted that, "consumer goods are designed to emphasize wastefulness and planned obsolescence." Perhaps more importantly, there is no sense of crisis!
Our survey shows that the best medium for such a campaign, is articles. Governments could take advantage of magazine and newspaper supplements. TV and school campaigns have also proven effective in the past i.e. the 70's campaign in Ontario to have students monitor heating costs etc. Children have often spear headed change.
Many respondents mentioned cost. "The cost/benefit ratios for solar and other alternate forms of energy and energy conservation" need to be promoted. Example, if a solar hot water heater is purchased, how long will it take to recover the cost through savings in fuel or hydro bills? Alternate energy providers and manufacturers could get tax incentives equivalent to those given to producers of traditional sources of energy in order to lower costs to the consumer. And, governments could encourage research and development in this area.
The "Energy Connection" has to be made clear. People need to understand the less obvious energy costs i.e. the costs of transporting and treating water. As respondents said, "I'm not always aware of electricity saving purposes."
Respondents wished to know more about the available technologies and noted the scarcity and lack of variety. They need to know where to get them and have choices.
Apartment owners are at a distinct disadvantage. Owners and builders need information and incentives to encourage use of energy efficient materials and appliances, in retrofits and new building construction. Governments could encourage research and development in this area and public/industry/government partnerships, such as Ontario's Green Communities programme, to help make homes more energy efficient, at a cost saving to owners or renters.
Many mentioned a lack of 3R programs in communities. A continued effort should be made at the provincial level to implement or improve existing systems. Reduction is the key!! Local/Provincial and national standards should be encouraged or legislated i.e. the voluntary grocery industry code of practice for packaging.
Many respondents had good reasons for not walking, using transit or bicycling - age, health, distance and lack of public transit and bike lanes etc. All levels of government would have public support for improved transit systems, use of car pools, bike trails, and measures to discourage car use.
People want to save energy! They are making an effort! They need information, affordable options, examples of success and encouragement.
The full report is available from the National Council of Women of Canada office.
National Symposium on Women as Family Caregivers, 1995
Synopsis
In 1995, NCWC together with L'Association feminine d'education et d'action social, MAW (Mothers are Women) and the Canadian Home Economics Association, organized a national symposium entitled "Women as Family Caregivers." Ruth Brown, past President of the National Council of Women, chaired the organizing committee.
Over 30 women's organizations took part in the Symposium. Many of the recommendations went on to become policies of NCWC and the other organizations, and indeed, have influenced government policy.
The Report, which is a summary of the presentations and the recommendations, is available from the National Council of Women of Canada office.
Copyright © 2002 NCWC All Rights Reserved. 