President`s Message Convention News

Convention News
Nova Scotia Provincial Council
June 2015
One Heart, One Voice, One Mission
Our 67th Nova Scotia Provincial Convention is now over and a sense of accomplishment and pride
remains through the many deeds and actions shared. Over 145 members, including guests and Spiritual
Advisors, were on hand to participate in a spirit-filled and joyous convention. Our appreciation and
gratitude is extended to members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Women’s League in Kentville, who were such
gracious hosts for the event. It was a time of celebration for these ladies as they marked 90 years since
their charter in 1925. Margaret Ann Jacobs, National President-Elect/Organization Standing Committee
Chair provided an opportunity for sharing and prayer through exploration of our theme, One Heart, One
Voice, One Mission. During the business session on Saturday, Doris Dandurand of St. Joseph’s CWL,
recounted with humility and grace, the long standing service of Life Member Rita Mae Munro who was
presented with her 60-year pin. Rita Mae served at the parish, diocesan and provincial levels.
Congratulations Rita Mae!
Upcoming Events:
95th National Convention
– Vancouver, British
Columbia – August 16 to
19, 2015
Hfx-Yarmouth General
Meeting – Immaculate
Conception Church, Truro
– September 26, 2015
Antigonish Diocesan
Fall Conference – St.
Joseph’s Church, Port
Hawkesbury, October 16 17, 2015
Nova Scotia Provincial
Executive Meeting –
Friday, November 13,
2015, and Saturday,
November 14, 2015 –
venue to be determined
Hfx-Yarmouth Diocesan
Retreat – St. Clement’s
Church, Dartmouth –
November 21, 2015
68th Nova Scotia
Provincial Convention –
Hosted by Holy Redeemer
Catholic Women’s
League, Whitney Pier –
June 10, 11, 12, 2016
It was a beautiful setting on Saturday evening as we gathered for the Banquet. The Banquet Room
overlooked the beautiful Minas Basin. Anniversary certificates were presented to councils celebrating
anniversaries throughout 2015. The Marguerite Burns plaque was presented to St. Joseph’s CWL and
a keeper plaque for Our Lady of Lourdes in Stellarton who hosted in 2014 was presented.
Resolution 2015.01: Coverage for Psychologists under the Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance
Program for the initial assessment, diagnosis and therapy for adolescents with psychological and
emotional disorders was approved. The resolution was initiated by St. Joseph’s Council in Kentville and
submitted on behalf of the Halifax-Yarmouth Diocesan Council. A request to meet with the Nova Scotia
Provincial Health Minister Leo Glavine has been mailed on your behalf.
As a result of decreasing membership (over 700 members in 6 years), it has become necessary to
explore an increase in provincial per capita dues. Our membership stands at 4,264 members as of
December 31, 2014. A Notice of Motion to increase per capita dues effective January 2017 was
approved. This decision was not taken lightly, but increased costs associated with meeting expenses
and commitments have caused us to explore this necessity. Currently, the Nova Scotia per capita stands
at $3.00 per member. In almost twenty years, we have had two per capita increases. The last per capita
increase was in 2005 which was $1.00 to offset costs associated with the hosting of the National
Convention every 10 years. Our per capita of $2.00 per member, set in 1996 is the lowest in the country.
As noted at convention, it is still the best deal in town. Please understand that all members have an
opportunity to discuss this at your parish council meetings and we require an instructed vote to implement
the additional $2.00. We understand that many of our members are on fixed incomes, but it is our only
alternative as we do not fundraise. As a calculation – 4,264 x $3.00 = $12,792.00 (less 4,264.00 for the
National Convention Fund), which leaves an operating fund of $8,528.00. For purposes of saving funds,
we have met as an Executive once in the fall and once in the winter. A third meeting has been cancelled
for several years now. This spring, we emailed the call to convention to a number of Life Members to
offset rising postage costs. More details will emerge in the fall. If you require further clarification, please
do not hesitate to contact me. Your Provincial Council will continue to explore other alternatives to bring
finances in line with revenue.
Our partnership with St. F.X. University Extension Department and the Women’s Aboriginal Project has
realized donations of $8,357.55. The funding provided by Nova Scotia members will help empower
women to assume leadership roles and work on projects that will enhance their project management
skills within their First Nations communities. We will share pertinent information with our members as
the projects proceed.
Please feel free to access our website and refer to the annual reports of each Standing Committee
Chairperson and Provincial Officers for 2014. The oral reports will also be added. Mark your calendars
now for 2016. Our 68th Nova Scotia Provincial Convention will be hosted by Holy Redeemer Catholic
Women’s League in Whitney Pier. Members in ‘the Pier’ are anxious to be hosting this event and are
eager to welcome us to eastern Nova Scotia hospitality.
I thank all those who attended our convention in Kentville. The Spiritual programs, liturgies, theme
development presentation and oral reports were outstanding. I look forward to your continued support
and prayers as we share our experiences as ‘One Heart, One Voice, One Mission’. Blessings!
Joan Bona