Archive for September, 2009

Charlottetown Sisters in Spirit Vigil

September 29, 2009 at 11:31 am · Filed under Community Notices, News and Views

What are you doing October 4th?

sisSisters in Spirit Vigil

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Province House, Charlottetown

10am – 12pm

To participate in the Remembrance Walk meet at Peakes Quay Wharf, end of Great George Street, at 9am.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, in conjunction with the Native Women’s Association of Canada are pleased to announce the 4th annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil. Each year, concerned citizens and Aboriginal community members gather nationally on October 4th to honour the lives of murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada.

As for PEI, we will be gathering at the Peakes Quay Wharf in Charlottetown where we will begin our “walk for remembrance” to Province House. The SIS event will proceed with our speakers, including the AWAPEI president, Judy Clark, who will deliver a brief address to the public. The vigil will conclude with a balloon release and a public BBQ for all to attend.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, as well as our supporting partners: Native Council of PEI, Familt Pride Program (Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI), Abegweit Wellness Centre, Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter (LIFN Health Centre), LIFN Cultural Program, the PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, and the PEI Advisory on the Status of Women are proud to show our support and are committed to raising awareness for our “Stolen Sisters” and to “Stop the Violence” in Prince Edward Island.

For more information please contact June K. Lewis or Madlene Sark at the AWAPEI office:      (902) 831-3059     or for information on the Sisters in Spirit initiative (NWAC) visit www.nwac-hc.org or email: sistersinspirit@nwac-hq.org

The Sisters in Spirit initiative of the Native Women’s Association of Canada is a research, education and policy initiative that aims to address violence against Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) women, particularly racialized and/or sexualized violence, that is, violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women because of their gender and Aboriginal identity.

The Sisters in Spirit project has led to some very valuable resources. Here are links to just two of the publications:

  • SIS-Research-Report A research report that tells the story of the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women, showing how each of the profiled women is loved and missed by their families and communities.
  • SIS-Education-Toolkit A community education toolkit to help learn more about the Sisters in Spirit initiative and how we can all advocate for end to racialized, sexualized gender violence against Aboriginal women.

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Sisters in Spirit Vigil – Poster

September 29, 2009 at 11:31 am · Filed under Community Notices

SIS_notice

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Equality Report Card: Better Social Assistance Rates

September 25, 2009 at 11:23 am · Filed under Equality Report Card

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Our Analysis:

↗ Food rates for people receiving Social Assistance will be increased by 10% in June 2009. This is a budgetary increase of nearly half a million dollars. Social Assistance shelter rates were increased by 1% in April 2008 and will be further increased by 5% in June 2009.

↗ Rates for clients in community care facilities had their subsidized per diem increased by $5/day in July 2008. (Over the past three years, this daily rate has increased by 22%.)

→ The Social Assistance Healthy Child Allowance has increased $3 per child per month, tied to the increase in the National Child Benefit which is now indexed to the Consumer Price Index. However, this amount will make little difference in most families’ budgets and still does not compensate for the provincial clawback of the Child Tax Benefit.

→ PEI has decided to exempt income from the federal Working Income Tax Benefit from any Social Services income-tested programs, to ensure the intended benefit of this program is maximized. However, two other provinces and one territory have already enhanced this program, and PEI would do well to do the same.

↘ There have been increases to social assistance rates, but our rating has not increased over last year. Why? The standard has not been met: PEI’s people living on social assistance will still not be able to meet their basic needs on the amounts allocated by government. Not enough is still not enough. The 10% increase in food rate is significant, and it is an important public policy measure that may take some pressure off community charity responses to poverty such as food banks and soup kitchens. But it is shocking to us that this long-overdue increase in food rates for some of our province’s most vulnerable citizens was so hard to achieve when the amount required, just half a million dollars, is comparatively small.

↘ There has been no action towards the promised Poverty Reduction Strategy to consider how we are doing across the province and across departments to assist people who live in poverty. There is no political will to name the problem of poverty and to provide poverty reduction initiatives. The full-time position in government that is meant to be dedicated to Poverty Reduction has been vacant for over a year. It is clear that to address poverty in this province all of government’s leadership must be on board, and all departments must play a part and work together.

This is an excerpt from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women 2009 Equality Report Card for PEI, released in June 2009 and based on information updated to May 30, 2009.

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Community Notices

September 25, 2009 at 11:07 am · Filed under Community Notices

STATUS OF WOMEN

Visit our blog and website at:

blog:  http://peiacsw.wordpress.com

website:  www.gov.pe.ca/acsw

NEW LISTINGS

1.   Persons Day Lunch-and-Learn

Please celebrate Persons Day by joining members of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the PEI node of the Atlantic Social Economy and Sustainability Research Network for a brown-bag lunch-and-learn.

The PEI Status of Women will make a presentation on the 2009 Equality Report Card Process and Results: Learnings for the Social Economy

Thursday October 15, 2009
12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Faculty Lounge, Main Building
University of Prince Edward Island

All are welcome. No admission fee.

Every October, Persons Day marks the date when Canadian women were declared “persons” under the law. This year is the 80th anniversary of that event.

For more information, please call 902-368-4510 or e-mail peistatusofwomen@eastlink.ca.

2.  New Toolkit for Rural Action on Poverty

The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee have produced a fine new resource for social justice activists: Counting Women In – A Toolkit for Rural Action on Poverty.  The toolkit and an accompanying online resource kit are also posted on the following websites:

www.endabusenow.ca

www.unitedwaybrucegrey.com

A limited number of hard copies are available as well.  If you would like a hard copy or if you have any questions or comments about this work, please contact:

Colleen Purdon, Coordinator

Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee

(519) 376-7145; cpurdon@bmts.com

Congratulations to the Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee for publishing this product!

3.   The Witches Ball – October 31

The Lovely Witches Club (www.lovelywitchesclub.com)  is proud to announce our first event, The Witches Ball.  As an official launch to the club, we will be hosting an exciting, interactive, carnival-flavored event on October 31, Halloween night, at Memorial Hall at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

We are reaching out to the dance and theatre community, inviting choreographers, dancers, acrobats, actors/actresses over the age of 19 to join us our troupe of entertainers for the evening.  Rehearsals will begin the beginning of October with 4 to 5 sessions/rehearsals planned. We are seeking both experienced dancers, acrobats and theatrical entertainers as well as those with a desire to gain experience. This troupe will have the choice to partake in performance and/or character roles at activity booths. Being part of the troupe will not mean you can’t enjoy the event, no one will be asked to do one thing all evening.

Any individual performers and performance artists interested in showing us what you’ve got are welcome too.   

Part of the beauty of the Lovely Witches Club is creative mentoring, where by established artists will be asked to guide and shape the talents of those uninitiated in their craft to create a collaborative event that everyone can be proud of. 

LWC directors Patti Larsen and Kele Redmond will assist in shaping the vision in conjunction with all interested parties. We are thrilled and excited to be hosting such a wickedly wonderful event and hope you can join us in making this night unforgettable.

Our first meeting is the evening of Friday October 2, 2009.

If you or someone you know would like to come by to see what we are about please call Patti at 566 4597  Or Kele at 894 5326 or email us at info@lovelywitchesclub.com for location and time of the meeting.

Thanks, LWC Directors, Renee Laprise, Patti Larsen, Kele Redmond

4.  Award for the Advancement of Human Rights

The second annual Award for the Advancement of Human Rights on PEI is now open for nominations.   The PEI Human Rights Commission created this award to recognize individuals, groups or organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of human rights on Prince Edward Island.

The award will recognize exceptional achievement on a volunteer basis to promote human rights and equality in PEI as defined in the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Act. The Act states that every person is free and equal in dignity and human rights without regard to age, colour, creed, ethnic or national origin, family status, marital status, physical or intellectual disability, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or source of income.

The contribution to the advancement of human rights could be in the following areas: accommodations; employment practices; associations or organizations practices; publications, broadcasts, public displays, and advertisements; services and facilities; or volunteer services.

For more information on the grounds of discrimination please visit our website: peihumanrights.ca. Nomination forms are available on the website and at Access PEI sites.

The closing date for nominations is October 30 with the presentation of the award taking place during the celebration of International Human Rights Day, December 10.

For further information please contact Lorraine Buell, at 902-368-4180.

5.  PEIBWA Red White and Blues Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Annual Red White and Blues fundraiser which will be held on Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Top of the Park Restaurant located at Red Shores Race Track & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.  This event is PEI Business Women’s Association’s (PEIBWA) premiere fundraiser.  Funds raised help PEIBWA achieve our mandate of assisting women by providing services and programs to meet their business objectives.

The evening includes a reception, buffet style appetizers and desserts, served plated dinner, entertainment, live auction and silent auction. Bourbon Street Blues Band will be performing.  The reception will start at 6 pm, and dinner will be served at 7 pm.  Entertainment will begin at 8 pm.

Tickets cost $75 + GST ($78.75) for members and $85 + GST ($89.25) for non-members.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.  Please note there are a limited number of tickets available.  Members are encouraged to purchase tickets early.  This event is open to everyone 19 years of age and older.

To book your tickets, please complete the attached ticket order form and return to PEIBWA office by fax at (902) 892-6050 or by e-mail at office@peibwa.org.  If you have any questions, please contact Paula by phone at 892-6040 or by e-mail at office@peibwa.org.

6.  Bonshaw Ceilidh

Bonshaw’s monthly ceilidh is coming up Sunday evening September 27th at 7:00 at the Bonshaw Hall. Our regulars welcome special guests Charlie Hansen, Doug Young and friends, and fiddler Janeen McGuigan.  There is open stage time, a 50/50 draw, and lunch.  Proceeds this month go to the Arthritis Society.  Everyone is welcome.  675-4282, 675-2855

7.     Information Sessions

The East Prince Women’s Information Centre is hosting information sessions on:

- Canada Pensions – Old Age Pensions
- Credit, Money Management, Debt
- Energy Efficiency Grants and Programs

on Wednesday,  October 7 and 14, 2009 at 7:00PM
at Credit Union Place, 511 Notre Dame Street , Summerside, PEI 

October 7, 2009 – Canada Pensions 
Presenter: Wendy McGrath, Citizen Service Specialist for Canada Pensions and Old Age Pensions, Service Canada.  There are new changes taking place with the Canada Pension Act and this would be an opportunity to receive accurate information needed to make informed decisions, such as: Do I       take my Canada Pension at 60 or 65? What are the benefits?

October 14, 2009 
Credit Counselling , Money Management 
Presenter: Sandra Henderson, Credit Counsellor, Credit Counselling PEI( service is free of charge). Topics : managing your credit, proper use of credit, understanding your credit bureau, and saving for the future.

Energy Efficiency Grants and Programs
Presenter: Margaret Gallant , Energy Programs Assistant , PEI Office of the Energy Efficiency- Programs and Grants available for home owners. This is an opportunity to learn directly from the service provider what programs and grants are available. Don’t miss out on opportunities to save money because you didn’t know about them! 

For more Information: Andy Lou Somers, 436-9856
These sessions are free of charge. 

________________________________________

SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1.  Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Sunday, October 4, 2009
Province House, Charlottetown
10am – 12pm

To participate in the Remembrance Walk meet at Peakes Quay Wharf, end of Great George Street, at 9am.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, in conjunction with the Native Women’s Association of Canada are pleased to announce the 4th annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil. Each year, concerned citizens and Aboriginal community members gather nationally on October 4th to honour the lives of murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada.

As for PEI, we will be gathering at the Peakes Quay Wharf in Charlottetown where we will begin our “walk for remembrance” to Province House. The SIS event will proceed with our speakers, including the AWAPEI president, Judy Clark, who will deliver a brief address to the public. The vigil will conclude with a balloon release and a public BBQ for all to attend.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, as well as our supporting partners: Native Council of PEI, Familt Pride Program (Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI), Abegweit Wellness Centre, Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter (LIFN Health Centre), LIFN Cultural Program, the PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, and the PEI Advisory on the Status of Women are proud to show our support and are committed to raising awareness for our “Stolen Sisters” and to “Stop the Violence” in Prince Edward Island.

For more information please contact June K. Lewis or Madlene Sark at the AWAPEI office:      (902) 831-3059     or for information on the Sisters in Spirit initiative (NWAC) visit www.nwac-hc.org or email: sistersinspirit@nwac-hq.org

2.   Sound Yoga

Teresa Doyle offers Sound Yoga on Tuesday’s at The Guild at noon time. Sound Yoga is gentle sound exercises and chants that calm the busy mind and center individuals in calm and clear state of mind and being. Chants and exercises are selected from Sanskrit, Celtic, and Latin traditions. No experience or registration necessary. All are welcome. The Guild is at the corner of Queen and Richmond in Charlottetown. Classes are $12. For more information, call Teresa at 838 2973 www.teresadoyle.com

**************************

Singing Instruction for Children and Adults

Juno nominated celtic, jazz, and childrens music singer songwriter Teresa Doyle will be offering classes for children ages five to eleven years beginning on Saturday, October 3, at 1:30pm at The Guild, at the corner of Queen and Richmond in Charlottetown. Classes will run on Saturdays till December. Registration is required and can be done by calling Teresa at 838 2973. Teresa also teaches private voice lessons for youth and adults. Contact Teresa to book a session.

www.teresadoyle.com

3.  Ten Thousand Villages is returning to downtown Charlottetown

… with a sale at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall (corner Richmond and Prince) Friday, September 25th, 9AM to 8PM, and Saturday, September 26th, 9AM to 3PM.  It is co-hosted by St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Trinity and Park Royal United Churches, and Zion Presbyterian Church.  The sale will showcase a beautiful assortment of musical instruments, pottery, jewellery, baskets, toys, crèches and Christmas ornaments, hand loomed textiles, and food items.  All items are Fair Trade and help over 150 artisan groups from 33 countries earn a decent living.  All are welcome and admission is free.  For more information visit www.tenthousandvillages.ca or contact Barb Cairns at (902) 894-9656.

Please spread the word about it and come and see the what is available this year.  It happens to coincide with the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, so come to the sale at St. Paul’s if you are taking in the music.  Subsequent sales will be held in Alberton (Oct 16-17), Cornwall and Summerside (both Nov. 6-7), Crapaud (Nov. 20-21), and UPEI (Dec. 1-3).  Note that we will be moving to a new location this year at UPEI:  the Market Square in MacDougall Hall (the new School of Business Building).

Have a good fall and we look forward to seeing you at the UPEI sale again. Cheers,  John Burka

4.  CUSO-VSO Circle Soiree & Live/Silent Auction

Food, Drink, Entertainment
Proceeds support volunteers overseas working in areas like education

Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
The Dunes Gallery & Cafe
Friday October 2nd 2009, 6pm

Tickets – $135 per person
($100 tax receipt)
Tickets at: 892 2610 or  1 800 676 8411

5.  Are You Interested in Being Part of Feminist Legal and Policy activism in Canada?

 If so, NAWL wants YOU!!

The National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL) is looking for young women who are engaged in thinking about and acting on issues related to law and public policy as it affects women in this country.

If you are a law student or are engaged in public policy or legal studies about women¡¦s equality, we invite you to apply to participate in our Think Tank/Strategy Session on November 7-9 in Toronto, with all your expenses paid by NAWL.

The goal of this strategy session will be to engage in focused discussions and strategic planning regarding what it would take to re-invigorate local and vibrant NAWL caucuses across the country. We anticipate a lot of work – and a lot of fun!

Our History

NAWL has historically worked closely with law school caucuses, but in recent years the capacity to facilitate and assist in organizing these caucuses has decreased. With renewed energy and internal capacity, we are hoping to revitalize this important part of NAWL by facilitating a focused discussion with young women about your interests and issues. What would it take to actively engage you in creating a vibrant NAWL caucus on your campus?

How to Apply for the Think Tank/ Strategy Session

We will select 10-12 women to participate in the strategy session along with the young women members of NAWL’s National Steering Committee.

If you are interested, please send us a letter, no longer than 2 pages, telling us about:

- your background in public policy/legal studies, feminist activism, social justice or lobbying work; AND

- what you think you would bring to this meeting, why you want to come and how you could follow up at your own campus.

- If you are a recent graduate, please tell us how you remain connected to your faculty.

Please provide us with the name and contact information of someone we can talk to so that we may learn more about your passion and involvement in policy/legal studies, feminist activism, social justice or lobbying work.

We will be selecting women who reflect the diversity NAWL seeks to reflect as well as who have experience with feminist organizing. Please note that while the meeting will be held in English, we encourage Francophone women to apply and participate in French. [While we are not able to offer English to French interpretation services throughout the meeting, a NAWL Steering Committee member will provide French to English interpretation services for women who are most comfortable expressing themselves in French. Special moments during the meeting will also be planned for conversations in French only.]

For more information about NAWL, visit our website: www.nawl.ca

Application deadline is: October 2, 2009

Applications from current, recent undergraduates and graduate students are welcome! If you have any questions or to submit an application, please contact:

Pamela Cross, Director of Strategic Planning at pcross@xplornet.com

6. Upcoming Lunch and Learn Events for PEIBWA

An Introduction to Building your Personal and Business Brand – Summerside

Presenter: Corey Poirier, Island Business News

In today’s competitive business landscape, determining and defining your personal and business brand can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Participants will learn:

* How to truly stand-out from your competitors

* How to have customers coming to you first

* How to build and/or become brand that people will pay a premium for

* How large global companies build brands and how you can incorporate this information into your brand building approach

* How your customer service, marketing, sales process, interaction with customers, communication and leadership skills all impact the brand your customers, co-workers and staff see and experience

Location:       Loyalist Country Inn, 195 Harbour Drive, Summerside

Date:            Thursday, October 8, 2009

Time:            12:00 – 1:30 pm

Cost:            $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Elizabeth Noonan by e-mail at elizabeth@peibwa.org or by phone at        (902) 436-0386     .  Registration deadline:  Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm

______________________________________________

For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

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Equality Report Card: Integrating Nurse Practitioners

September 18, 2009 at 11:18 am · Filed under Equality Report Card

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Our Analysis:

↗ In the Island health system, there are now three nurse practitioners active on the Island, one more than last year.

↗ A Sexual Abuse Nurse Examiner (SANE) program might be in place as soon as 2010, when the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Department moves into their new location. We look forward to a formal, public commitment by government to establish a SANE program.

→ “Integrating” nurse practitioners into the system will require efforts to create good and supportive working environments and health care models that include nurse practitioners. The Corpus Sanchez report on Integrated Health System Review in PEI calls for “a long-term strategy to increase use of nurse practitioners” and “expansion of the nurse practitioner model [in support of community-based primary health care], including redefining the nature of the collaborative practice model so that access to nurse practitioners is not impeded due to the lack of an on-site family physician.” These are recommendations we look forward to seeing implemented.

This is an excerpt from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women 2009 Equality Report Card for PEI, released in June 2009 and based on information updated to May 30, 2009.

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Community Notice

September 18, 2009 at 11:16 am · Filed under Community Notices

STATUS OF WOMEN

Visit our blog and website at:

blog:  http://peiacsw.wordpress.com

website:  www.gov.pe.ca/acsw

NEW LISTINGS

1.   2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life

Join AIDS PEI and local community groups for the 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life and the 2009 Spectramedia 10K Run for Life.

Sunday, September 20, 2009 

Run registration just $25.00 (payable upon online registration or before the event). For more information, to collect pledges or register as a runner, visit: www.PEIWalkforLife.com

SPONSORS:  Scotiabank    SpectraMedia      Beanz Espresso Bar    RoadID

2.   Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Province House, Charlottetown

10am – 12pm

To participate in the Remembrance Walk meet at Peakes Quay Wharf, end of Great George Street, at 9am.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, in conjunction with the Native Women’s Association of Canada are pleased to announce the 4th annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil. Each year, concerned citizens and Aboriginal community members gather nationally on October 4th to honour the lives of murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada.

As for PEI, we will be gathering at the Peakes Quay Wharf in Charlottetown where we will begin our “walk for remembrance” to Province House. The SIS event will proceed with our speakers, including the AWAPEI president, Judy Clark, who will deliver a brief address to the public. The vigil will conclude with a balloon release and a public BBQ for all to attend.

The Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI, as well as our supporting partners: Native Council of PEI, Familt Pride Program (Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI), Abegweit Wellness Centre, Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter (LIFN Health Centre), LIFN Cultural Program, the PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, and the PEI Advisory on the Status of Women are proud to show our support and are committed to raising awareness for our “Stolen Sisters” and to “Stop the Violence” in Prince Edward Island.

For more information please contact June K. Lewis or Madlene Sark at the AWAPEI office:      (902) 831-3059     or for information on the Sisters in Spirit initiative (NWAC) visit www.nwac-hc.org or email: sistersinspirit@nwac-hq.org

3.   Sound Yoga

Teresa Doyle offers Sound Yoga on Tuesday’s at The Guild at noon time. Sound Yoga is gentle sound exercises and chants that calm the busy mind and center individuals in calm and clear state of mind and being. Chants and exercises are selected from Sanskrit, Celtic, and Latin traditions. No experience or registration necessary. All are welcome. The Guild is at the corner of Queen and Richmond in Charlottetown. Classes are $12. For more information, call Teresa at 838 2973 www.teresadoyle.com

**************************

Singing Instruction for Children and Adults

Juno nominated celtic, jazz, and childrens music singer songwriter Teresa Doyle will be offering classes for children ages five to eleven years beginning on Saturday, October 3, at 1:30pm at The Guild, at the corner of Queen and Richmond in Charlottetown. Classes will run on Saturdays till December. Registration is required and can be done by calling Teresa at 838 2973. Teresa also teaches private voice lessons for youth and adults. Contact Teresa to book a session.

www.teresadoyle.com

4.  Ten Thousand Villages is returning to downtown Charlottetown

… with a sale at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall (corner Richmond and Prince) Friday, September 25th, 9AM to 8PM, and Saturday, September 26th, 9AM to 3PM.  It is co-hosted by St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Trinity and Park Royal United Churches, and Zion Presbyterian Church.  The sale will showcase a beautiful assortment of musical instruments, pottery, jewellery, baskets, toys, crèches and Christmas ornaments, hand loomed textiles, and food items.  All items are Fair Trade and help over 150 artisan groups from 33 countries earn a decent living.  All are welcome and admission is free.  For more information visit www.tenthousandvillages.ca or contact Barb Cairns at      (902) 894-9656    .

Please spread the word about it and come and see the what is available this year.  It happens to coincide with the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, so come to the sale at St. Paul’s if you are taking in the music.  Subsequent sales will be held in Alberton (Oct 16-17), Cornwall and Summerside (both Nov. 6-7), Crapaud (Nov. 20-21), and UPEI (Dec. 1-3).  Note that we will be moving to a new location this year at UPEI:  the Market Square in MacDougall Hall (the new School of Business Building).

Have a good fall and we look forward to seeing you at the UPEI sale again.

Cheers,  John Burka

5.  You are invited to the IWK Health Centre Centennial Open House & Health Fair

The IWK Health Centre is opening its doors to the community to celebrate 100 Years of Care on Saturday, September 26, 11 am – 2 pm, as part of a Centennial Open House & Health Fair.

Some of the day’s events include:

Pediatric Surgery Tours – Come see the newly renovated pediatric operating suites, and learn how the latest technology and equipment combined with communication, education and compassion help save lives and ease anxiety for children and families facing surgery. Tours leave every hour—sign up early as space is limited!

Women’s & Newborn Health Open House – What happens when you come to the IWK to have your baby? Take a prenatal video tour, meet simulator “Baby Noelle,” compare phototherapy—then and now, see ultrasound in action and learn all about breastfeeding and breast health. Children can even test their diapering skills!

Health & Wellness Fair – Care teams will share the latest health and wellness information with interactive displays on vaccinology, infection prevention & control, physical activity, recreation therapy, women’s health, nutrition, child safety, poison information, mental health, and more.

Performance Arts Watch & Learn – Circus Circle, b-boys Concrete Roots, Unicorn Theatre, Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, and musical acts Stephen Bowers and Dreams for Real will entertain and get you in on the action!

Centennial Community Art Project – The IWK has teamed up with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to celebrate Centennial through art.

Full details can be found at www.iwk.nshealth.ca. Sign up sheets for tours will be available at the information desk in the Dr. Richard B. Goldbloom Research and Clinical Care Pavilion of the IWK Health Centre.

When: Saturday, September 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: IWK Health Centre, 5980/5850 University Avenue, Halifax

6.   Raising Socially Responsible Teens and Children

Workshop – September 24, 2009

Come hear Dr. Michael Ungar, internationally renowned therapist and researcher on resiliency in children and youth, offer practical suggestions about how to raise children to become competent, caring contributors to their families, schools, and communities.

Free Admission

Thursday, September 24, 2009

7-9pm

Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent Street

Dr. Ungar will be available for book signing following his presentation where several of his publications will be for sale.

7. CUSO-VSO Circle Soiree & Live/Silent Auction

Food, Drink, Entertainment
Proceeds support volunteers overseas working in areas like education

Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
The Dunes Gallery & Cafe
Friday October 2nd 2009, 6pm

Tickets – $135 per person
($100 tax receipt)
Tickets at: 892 2610 or  1 800 676 8411 

8.   Autism Family Swims

The Autism Society Swims will resume being held each Saturday of every

month from 7:00-8:00pm at the Cari Pool at the UPEI Campus. These swims are open for all those with autism and their family and friends! The swims for September will take place September 19th and 26th.

 9. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF FEMINIST LEGAL AND POLICY ACTIVISM IN CANADA? 

 If so, NAWL wants YOU!!

The National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL) is looking for young women who are engaged in thinking about and acting on issues related to law and public policy as it affects women in this country.

If you are a law student or are engaged in public policy or legal studies about women¡¦s equality, we invite you to apply to participate in our Think Tank/Strategy Session on November 7-9 in Toronto, with all your expenses paid by NAWL.

The goal of this strategy session will be to engage in focused discussions and strategic planning regarding what it would take to re-invigorate local and vibrant NAWL caucuses across the country. We anticipate a lot of work – and a lot of fun!

Our History

NAWL has historically worked closely with law school caucuses, but in recent years the capacity to facilitate and assist in organizing these caucuses has decreased. With renewed energy and internal capacity, we are hoping to revitalize this important part of NAWL by facilitating a focused discussion with young women about your interests and issues. What would it take to actively engage you in creating a vibrant NAWL caucus on your campus?

How to Apply for the Think Tank/ Strategy Session

We will select 10-12 women to participate in the strategy session along with the young women members of NAWL’s National Steering Committee.

If you are interested, please send us a letter, no longer than 2 pages, telling us about:

- your background in public policy/legal studies, feminist activism, social justice or lobbying work; AND

- what you think you would bring to this meeting, why you want to come and how you could follow up at your own campus.

- If you are a recent graduate, please tell us how you remain connected to your faculty.

Please provide us with the name and contact information of someone we can talk to so that we may learn more about your passion and involvement in policy/legal studies, feminist activism, social justice or lobbying work.

We will be selecting women who reflect the diversity NAWL seeks to reflect as well as who have experience with feminist organizing. Please note that while the meeting will be held in English, we encourage Francophone women to apply and participate in French. [While we are not able to offer English to French interpretation services throughout the meeting, a NAWL Steering Committee member will provide French to English interpretation services for women who are most comfortable expressing themselves in French. Special moments during the meeting will also be planned for conversations in French only.]

For more information about NAWL, visit our website: www.nawl.ca

Application deadline is: October 2, 2009

Applications from current, recent undergraduates and graduate students are welcome! If you have any questions or to submit an application, please contact:

Pamela Cross, Director of Strategic Planning at pcross@xplornet.com

________________________________________

SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1. Pen & Inkling Festival

The Prince Edward Island Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) turns twenty this year and we are celebrating with the Pen & Inkling Festival on the weekend of September 18 – 20, 2009.

This three-day, three-county event will celebrate Island writers through the Island Literary Awards ceremony, an armchair conversation, “A Life in Poetry,” between John Smith and David Helwig, a book launch of Brent MacLaine’s Athena Becomes a Swallow, workshops, special guest readings, open mic events (including readings by newcomers in their first language), a songwriters circle by young musicians, zen writing, writing games, book sales, other happenings, and a big, birthday party!

We will also launch “The Figure in the Landscape” calendar, designed by graphic artist Deborah Vail-Waring. It features words by Island writers, and images of Island writers photographed by well-known photographer John Sylvester.

The birthday bash on Saturday the 19th will include a dance with live music courtesy of The Count and the Cuban Cocktail and The Blueprints, and, of course, libations! It will start at 7:00 p.m. with an hour-long armchair discussion between John Smith, Professor Emeritus of English at UPEI, and current PEI Poet Laureate, David Helwig—a special conversation that should not be missed. Add this to the rest of the three-day, fabulous line-up of offerings—all of them open to the general public, and free or by donation—and the Pen & Inkling Festival is the literary happening of the year!

Without the generous support of our sponsors, and the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, this festival would not be possible.

Go to www.peiwritersguild.com or contact Pen & Inkling Festival Coordinator Laurel Smyth, at: islandliteraryawards@gmail.com

2. Girl Guides of Canada Registration

2010 marks Guiding’s 100th anniversary. Since 1910, we’ve been a trailblazing organization advocating for girls and women.  We offer opportunities for fun, friendship and adventure, teach valuable leadership skills and encourage community involvement.  All Guiding members are empowered to reach their full potential, be independent, involved, confident and caring in their home communities and in the world at large.

Join us this year for our 100th Anniversary Celebration!  Registrations are taking place in communities across PEI over the next two weeks.

* Vernon River (Sparks only): St. Andrews United Church, Sept. 16, 6:15-7:15pm

* Tracadie: Tracadie Community Centre, Sept. 23, 6:30-7pm

* Stratford: Stratford Town Hall, Sept. 17, 6:30-8pm

* Sherwood: Cornwall Community Centre, Sept. 17, 6:30-8pm

* Spring Park: Spring Park United Church, Sept. 14, 6:30-8pm

* Cornwall: Cornwall United Church, Sept. 24, 6:30-8pm

* Kensington: Mt. Zion Lodge, Sept. 14, 6:30-8:30pm

* Summerside: St. Eleanor’s Community Centre, Sept. 17, 6-8pm

For other locations yet to be determined, or to get more information, please call us at        1-800-565-8111       or visit our website at www.girlguides.pe.ca.

3. Upcoming Lunch and Learn Events for PEIBWA

The Importance of Business Image – Charlottetown

Presenter: Margaret Gallant, Fresh Image 360

Branding products and services is part of marketing.  Branding ourselves in terms of our business image also goes a long way.  How the world sees us (image) can actually assist in selling our products and services.  When business people are perceived to have it all together, this translates to their customers and can result in increased sales.  Join us for this entertaining and informative presentation to learn more about styling rules for business.

Location:       Provinces Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent Street, Charlottetown

Date:            Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Time:            12:00 – 1:30 pm

Cost:            $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Paula Laybolt by e-mail at office@peibwa.org or by phone at        (902) 892-6040      .  Registration deadline:  Friday, September 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm.

***********************************

An Introduction to Building your Personal and Business Brand – Summerside

Presenter: Corey Poirier, Island Business News

In today’s competitive business landscape, determining and defining your personal and business brand can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Participants will learn:

* How to truly stand-out from your competitors

* How to have customers coming to you first

* How to build and/or become brand that people will pay a premium for

* How large global companies build brands and how you can incorporate this information into your brand building approach

* How your customer service, marketing, sales process, interaction with customers, communication and leadership skills all impact the brand your customers, co-workers and staff see and experience

Location:       Loyalist Country Inn, 195 Harbour Drive, Summerside

Date:            Thursday, October 8, 2009

Time:            12:00 – 1:30 pm

Cost:            $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Elizabeth Noonan by e-mail at elizabeth@peibwa.org or by phone at        (902) 436-0386     .  Registration deadline:  Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm

______________________________________________

For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

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Equality Report Card: Improved Employment Standards

September 11, 2009 at 10:53 am · Filed under Equality Report Card

wes-1

Our Analysis:

↗ We were happy a new statutory holiday, Islander Day, was instituted. This will help contribute to work-life balance in many Island families.

↘ Long-awaited updates to the Employment Standards Act that protects non-unionized workers on PEI were publicly promised for the fall, and then the spring, sitting of the legislature, but they were not brought forward in either sitting.

↘ Public consultation on Employment Standards was extensive and was completed more than three years ago. Community organizations devoted hundreds of hours to analyzing the legislation and making recommendations and presentations. The Review Panel’s recommendations for change were delivered to the new government two years ago. Work to revise the legislation has been done: it is past time to make the proposed updates.

↘ Among the Review Panel’s proposed updates to benefit workers are reduced qualification threshold for caregiving leaves; extension to maternity leave if the baby is ill; strengthened provisions for caregiving leaves requiring employer to grant an employee the option of maintaining a benefit plan if employee pays the costs; enhanced definition of “family member” for compassionate care leave; and three weeks’ paid vacation after eight years continuous employment with the same employer. However, we still have heard no public commitment that these recommendations will be set forward in the updated legislation. We also don’t know if there will be other changes that may offset positive changes or even be negative for women and their families.

↘ There is still no systematic process for legislation such as the Employment Standards Act to undergo a full evidence-based review based on gender and diversity considerations.

↘ The 2009 increase to the minimum wage means the minimum wage is headed in the right direction, but it does not raise the wage to a livable amount. At $8.40/hr full-time, full-year minimum wage workers still fall below the poverty line. Also, government doesn’t demonstrate a long-term plan for wages: increases only go as far as this year, and the minimum wage is not indexed to the cost of living. We continued to have the lowest hourly and yearly wages in the country, year after year, and the minimum wage serves as an “anchor” weighing all wages down across the province.

This is an excerpt from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women 2009 Equality Report Card for PEI, released in June 2009 and based on information updated to May 30, 2009.

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Community Notice

September 11, 2009 at 10:12 am · Filed under Community Notices

STATUS OF WOMEN

Visit our blog and website at:
blog:  http://peiacsw.wordpress.com
website:  www.gov.pe.ca/acsw

NEW LISTINGS

1.  Vogue Optical Superwalk for Parkinson’s

The Vogue Optical Superwalk for Parkinson’s will take place on Saturday, September 12 at Robert Cotton Memorial Park, Stratford. Registration is at 1:00 and the walk will take place at 2:00 pm. Auction item includes an autographed shirt by well-known hockey player Brad Richards. Refreshments will be served. For information or pledge sheets, contact Mauareen Larkin at 569-5039, or maureenlarkin@pei.sympatico.ca

2.  Pen & Inkling Festival

The Prince Edward Island Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) turns twenty this year and we are celebrating with the Pen & Inkling Festival on the weekend of September 18 – 20, 2009.

This three-day, three-county event will celebrate Island writers through the Island Literary Awards ceremony, an armchair conversation, “A Life in Poetry,” between John Smith and David Helwig, a book launch of Brent MacLaine’s Athena Becomes a Swallow, workshops, special guest readings, open mic events (including readings by newcomers in their first language), a songwriters circle by young musicians, zen writing, writing games, book sales, other happenings, and a big, birthday party!

We will also launch “The Figure in the Landscape” calendar, designed by graphic artist Deborah Vail-Waring. It features words by Island writers, and images of Island writers photographed by well-known photographer John Sylvester.

The birthday bash on Saturday the 19th will include a dance with live music courtesy of The Count and the Cuban Cocktail and The Blueprints, and, of course, libations! It will start at 7:00 p.m. with an hour-long armchair discussion between John Smith, Professor Emeritus of English at UPEI, and current PEI Poet Laureate, David Helwig—a special conversation that should not be missed. Add this to the rest of the three-day, fabulous line-up of offerings—all of them open to the general public, and free or by donation—and the Pen & Inkling Festival is the literary happening of the year!

Without the generous support of our sponsors, and the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, this festival would not be possible.

Go to www.peiwritersguild.com or contact Pen & Inkling Festival Coordinator Laurel Smyth, at: islandliteraryawards@gmail.com

3. Girl Guides of Canada Registration

2010 marks Guiding’s 100th anniversary. Since 1910, we’ve been a trailblazing organization advocating for girls and women.  We offer opportunities for fun, friendship and adventure, teach valuable leadership skills and encourage community involvement.  All Guiding members are empowered to reach their full potential, be independent, involved, confident and caring in their home communities and in the world at large.

Join us this year for our 100th Anniversary Celebration!  Registrations are taking place in communities across PEI over the next two weeks.
 

* Vernon River (Sparks only): St. Andrews United Church, Sept. 16, 6:15-7:15pm

* Tracadie: Tracadie Community Centre, Sept. 23, 6:30-7pm

* Stratford: Stratford Town Hall, Sept. 17, 6:30-8pm

* Sherwood: Cornwall Community Centre, Sept. 17, 6:30-8pm
* Spring Park: Spring Park United Church, Sept. 14, 6:30-8pm

* Cornwall: Cornwall United Church, Sept. 24, 6:30-8pm

* Kensington: Mt. Zion Lodge, Sept. 14, 6:30-8:30pm

* Summerside: St. Eleanor’s Community Centre, Sept. 17, 6-8pm

For other locations yet to be determined, or to get more information, please call us at   1-800-565-8111   or visit our website at www.girlguides.pe.ca.

4.  Last Sat our Bonshaw Community Yard Sale raised over $100 for Farmers helping Farmers!

& we’ve decided to continue to this Saturday, September 12th at the
Bonshaw Community Centre from 7:30am to 1 pm, rain or shine. Table
rentals and proceeds from some of the vendors will again be donated
to FHF to support their programs in Africa. For more information,
please contact Marion at 675-4093.

5.  CO-OPERATIVE COUNCIL AGM
 
The Prince Edward Island Co-operative Council’s Annual General Meeting(3 PM) and awards dinner(5:30PM) is coming up on September 18th at the Dutch  Inn/Howard Johnsons and you are invited to help us celebrate 100 years of the Co-operative Movement in Canada.

This year’s AGM is featuring a couple of very interesting people you
won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet.

The first speaker will be John Harvie, the CEO of Co-op Atlantic. Harvie
has over 27 years of experience with co-operatives both regionally and
internationally. He will be speaking about the history of Atlantic
Canadian Co-operatives.

Also as guest speaker, at the awards dinner, is Jeff Moore. He is the CEO
of Just US Coffee. He flew to Mexico while it was in the middle of a civil
war because he wanted to learn more about Fair Trade. Moore put up his
house as security to finance a minimum shipment of 10 tons of coffee
without having a single customer. He will be speaking about how Just Us!
Coffee Roasters Co-operative has grown to be one of the largest
wholesalers of fair trade coffee in Canada.

Also the first ever Prince Edward Island Co-operator of the year award
will be given out during the meeting to honor an Islander who has shown
outstanding efforts to the cause of the co-operative movement within
the Province.

Tickets are being sold at most Credit Unions on PEI and also at our
office at 6 Alexandra court. You can call the office at  902-56… or
email us at peicc@peicc.coop.

6.  THE SITUATION AND NEEDS OF CANADIAN SENIOR ARTISTS　

Town hall discussion

Friday, September 18, 2009
9 AM – 11 AM
Confederation Centre, Studio 2

If you are an artist and 60 or over, please participate in this action-oriented research project about artists in all disciplines.

The group of Canadian arts organizations listed on this letterhead (see below) is looking for ways to do more to support Canada’s senior artists (that is, those who are 65 and over).

We need your help! Please assist us by participating in this first-ever assessment of the situation and needs of senior artists in Canada.

We invite artists 60 and over to participate in a “town hall” discussion about their needs and interests in areas such as artistic activity, health care, housing, retirement, financial issues, community connections and social networks.

The arts organizations will use this information while working to improve current services or establish new services for artists in Canada. Your input will help us design services that best meet artists’ needs and interests.

We cannot design services without the input and suggestions of as many senior artists as possible! Whether or not you are unable to attend the session, we also invite you to complete a survey of the needs and interests of senior artists, available at www.SeniorArtists.ca (as of September 16th).

The research is being conducted by Hill Strategies Research on behalf of the Senior Artists Research Project. You can contact Kelly Hill of Hill Strategies at kelly@hillstrategies.com or   1-877-445-5494  .

Thanks! And please spread the word to other artists you know.

________________________________________

SOME PREVIOUS LISTINGS

1. Representatives of Mexican Organic Markets,  September 16-19

From September 16 – 19, representatives of the Mexican Network of Organic Markets  – an organization that links organic, producer-operated markets across Mexico – will visit P.E.I.

The purposes of the network are to increase the availability of locally grown, organic produce to local Mexican consumers, and to increase the Mexican public’s awareness of organic products and their benefits to human health and the environment. The network promotes participatory organic certification, which is a system of peer evaluation that eliminates the need for a third party inspector and focuses on allowing producers to educate each other in sustainable farming practices.

Santiago Martinez Bringas is one of the visitors.  He comes from the Mexican state of Baja California del Sur, which is in the far west of the country, and is the Coordinator of the Organic Market in San Jose de los Cabos.  The other confirmed delegate, Juan Moran, is a coordinator of the Organic Market of Tlaxcala.

Two public events are planned for their visit:

On Thursday evening, September 17th at 5:00 p.m., you are invited to an organic pot-luck meal at St Paul’s Church Hall, 203 Richmond Street in Charlottetown.  This will be an opportunity to chat with our guests  informally over a meal.  Bring your favourite dish!

On Friday morning, September 18th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., you are invited to Murphy’s Community Centre, Room 205 to hear a presentation about the Mexican Network of Organic Markets and to share your experiences and ideas about food security, organic production, marketing etc.

Email Cooper Institute cooperinstitute@eastlink.ca for more information (but because we are on holidays still, you might not hear from us until after Labour Day . . . enjoy the last week of summer!)

2.  The Institute of Island Studies is pleased to present

THE MAGNIFICENT GIFT DECLINED:
THE DALTON SANATORIUM OF
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, 1913-1923
by LEONARD CUSACK
•
you are invited to attend the launch
EMYVALE – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
Emyvale Recreation Centre, Rte 235 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
•
Reading, book signing, light refreshments,
entertainment, cash bar
•
and book signings by the author
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
SUMMERSIDE – 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Lefurgey Cultural Centre, 205 Prince St., Summerside

CHARLOTTETOWN – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Carriage House at Beaconsfield, 2 Kent St., Charlottetown

3. Call for Creative People to Build an Action for October 24th

Attention all artists, musicians, organizers, interpretive dancers, activists, quiche-eaters, tree-huggers, locavores, and all around lovely people,

On Saturday, October 24th, millions of people around the world will use creative actions to show the world’s leaders that we want stronger targets on global emissions cuts.  There will be children in Bangladesh planting trees, banners hung from the statues on Easter Island, hipsters shaving their ironic mustaches in Brooklyn, everything you can and can’t imagine.

The event is called the International Day of Climate Action, and we want PEI to be a part of it.  We are looking for people with great ideas, influence, and/or enthusiasm to help us create and promote an action that will get as many people out as possible.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Aaron Lewis or myself at  (902… or beckyt@sierraclub.ca / aaronl@sierraclub.ca AND come to our planning meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 5:30pm at the Voluntary Resource Centre, 81 Prince St, Charlottetown.

Yours truly, Becky Thomas and Aaron Lewis

4.  Local Food Plus Update

Hi All,

Again, our apologies for a form letter but the response to Local Food Plus has been too overwhelming to write to each of you individually.

If you are not a farmer, please forward this email to someone you know who can benefit from the LFP program. To those of you who responded with a request to sign up for LFP certification, thank you. We are thrilled to have you joining us.

We are writing to remind you to get your LFP application and worksheets filled out and mailed to LFP this week!

In order to take advantage of the free offer from WWF for free membership/certification you need to get your forms completed and mailed in soon.

Contact us for the forms or if you need assistance filling in the information. (  902-367-0390   or   902-969-3111  ).

Once you send your information to LFP, send us an email so we can confirm that the information was received.

If you are still unsure about LFP and the benefits it offers, check out these articles and comments:

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009093.html

http://www.magazine.utoronto.ca/life-on-campus/sustainable-chef-jaco-lokker-local-food-plus

http://www.ecollo.com/post/2009/04/Sustainable-food-systems-gets-a-boost-with-Local-Food-Plus.aspx

http://pantry.to/local-food-plus

http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea/archives/archives_individual.asp?id=244

For more info:  contact (  902-367-0390   )

5.  Upcoming Lunch and Learn Events for PEIBWA

The Importance of Business Image – Charlottetown

Presenter: Margaret Gallant, Fresh Image 360

Branding products and services is part of marketing.  Branding ourselves in terms of our business image also goes a long way.  How the world sees us (image) can actually assist in selling our products and services.  When business people are perceived to have it all together, this translates to their customers and can result in increased sales.  Join us for this entertaining and informative presentation to learn more about styling rules for business.

Location:       Provinces Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Date:            Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time:            12:00 – 1:30 pm
Cost:            $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Paula Laybolt by e-mail at office@peibwa.org or by phone at   (902) 892-6040  .  Registration deadline:  Friday, September 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm.

***********************************

An Introduction to Building your Personal and Business Brand – Summerside

Presenter: Corey Poirier, Island Business News

In today’s competitive business landscape, determining and defining your personal and business brand can sometimes be the difference between success and failure. Participants will learn:

* How to truly stand-out from your competitors
* How to have customers coming to you first
* How to build and/or become brand that people will pay a premium for
* How large global companies build brands and how you can incorporate this information into your brand building approach
* How your customer service, marketing, sales process, interaction with customers, communication and leadership skills all impact the brand your customers, co-workers and staff see and experience

Location:       Loyalist Country Inn, 195 Harbour Drive, Summerside
Date:            Thursday, October 8, 2009
Time:            12:00 – 1:30 pm
Cost:            $15 + GST for members, $20 + GST for non-members

To register, contact Elizabeth Noonan by e-mail at elizabeth@peibwa.org or by phone at   (902) 436-0386  .  Registration deadline:  Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm

6. WOMEN’S HELP LINE

Women’s Network now has a toll free number    1-888-363-7373    .  This line is generously provided to us by Aliant for us to operate a referral service for women who are having trouble finding and accessing the programs and services they need in PEI.  We can help find the appropriate contact information and provide some direction on what to expect from different service providers.  Please note that this line is not a crisis line.
______________________________________________

For further information or questions specifically relating to these notices, please contact the individual or organization hosting the community event.

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New Appointment to Council Announced

September 9, 2009 at 12:47 pm · Filed under News and Views

We’re delighted that the PEI Government has announced a new appointment to the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and we welcome Marcia Enman to Council. Bienvenue, Marcia!

Yesterday, government sent out a news release about the appointment, in English and in French.

Nomination au Conseil consultatif sur la situation de la femme

Selon la ministre responsable du statut de la femme, Valerie E. Docherty, l’apport de Marcia Enman de Wellington, Île-du-Prince-Édouard au Conseil consultatif sera précieux.

« Je suis heureuse de souhaiter la bienvenue à Marcia au Conseil consultatif sur la situation de la femme, a dit la ministre Docherty. Marcia est membre active de sa communauté et possède une vaste expérience en tant que membre du conseil d’administration de nombreux organismes. Ses compétences et sa passion seront d’un atout considérable pour le Conseil. »

Madame Enman est la directrice générale et l’éditrice du seul journal de langue française à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Elle travaille à La Voix acadienne depuis 31 ans et continue de travailler au développement de cette publication au service de la communauté acadienne et francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.

Parmi ses réalisations communautaires et volontaires, madame Enman siège au conseil d’administration national de l’Association de la presse francophone en tant que vice-présidente et au Conseil municipale du village de Wellington. Elle est également membre du comité de sélection de Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island.

« Le Conseil profitera de l’expertise médiatique de Marcia et de ses connaissances de problèmes qui touchent les femmes de la communauté acadienne, de dire Isabelle Christian, présidente du Conseil consultatif. Nous sommes bien contentes de cette nomination. »

Le Comité consultatif sur la situation de la femme de l’Î.-P.-É. est un organisme gouvernemental indépendant dont le mandat est de conseiller le gouvernement provincial et de faire connaître au public les questions concernant le statut des femmes. Le Conseil oeuvre pour assurer l’égalité et appuie la participation active des femmes à la vie sociale, juridique, culturelle, économique et politique.

Pour plus d’information, veuillez communiquer avec Michelle Harris-Genge, directrice du Secrétariat interministériel aux affaires féminines en composant le 902-368-5557.

New Member Appointed to Advisory Council on the Status of Women

Marcia Enman of Wellington, Prince Edward Island is a great addition to the Advisory Council says Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Valerie E. Docherty.

“I am pleased to welcome Marcia to her role as a member of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women,” said Minister Docherty. “Marcia is an active member of her community and has considerable experience as a board member for many organizations. Her skills and passion will be a great asset to the council.”

Enman is the general director and editor of the only French language newspaper on Prince Edward Island. She has been with La Voix Acadienne for 31 years and continues to work in the development of the publication that serves the Acadian and Francophone community of Prince Edward Island.

Among her community and volunteer background, Enman sits on the national board of directors of L’Association de la presse francophone as vice-president. She is village councillor on the Wellington Village Municipal Council. Enman also sits on the Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island Board as a selection committee member. “The Council will benefit from Marcia’s media expertise, and her knowledge of the issues of women in the Acadian community,” says Isabelle Christian, Chair of the Advisory Council. “We welcome this appointment.”

The PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women is an arms-length government agency mandated to advise the provincial government and bring before the public matters relating to the status of women. The Council works for equality and supports women’s full and active participation in social, legal, cultural, economic, and political spheres of life.

For more information, please contact Michelle Harris-Genge, Director, Interministerial Women’s Secretariat at (902) 368-5557.

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Women’s Shelter Exempt from Smoke-Free Places Act

September 9, 2009 at 11:27 am · Filed under News and Views

Read comments from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women in Teresa Wright’s Guardian article on changes to the Smoke-Free Places Act.

Read the PEI Status of Women’ s complete submission to public consultation on this act on our website.

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