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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It was such a pleasure to mingle with so many
wise and wonderful women - and men - at our 22nd Annual Conference
on April 9th, 2005. The speakers were great, the food was
delicious, and everything went very smoothly indeed, thanks
especially to Mary Fay and Stephanie Newitt and the other
members of the Toronto Chapter who managed this event.
Heartfelt thanks also to Margaret Hawkins,
who opened her home to us for our Board meetings and also
provided lovely meals. We not only saved money because we
did not have to pay the cost of hotel boardrooms and food,
but we were able to conclude our board meetings with enough
time left over to socialize a bit. It is only once a year
that Board members from across the country can get together,
so we have a lot to talk about! Next year we will meet in
British Columbia and I am already looking forward to visiting
this beautiful province.
It seems you are stuck with me as President for one more year!
I appreciate the vote of confidence.
If only our government could run the country as smoothly as
REAL Women manages our organization. As I draft this message,
the country is in turmoil. How else to describe the results
of the Gomery inquiry, which is staining the Liberal government
with allegations of deep-seated corruption? How did we come
to this state anyway? As a democracy, where we have the privilege
of electing our representatives, it is most dismaying to find
that our trust has been so betrayed.
What is the role of Members of Parliament?
First and foremost, they must represent their constituents,
keeping in mind not only national, but also regional and local
concerns. Second, they must help to draft new legislation,
providing the country with sensible, workable laws. Third,
they must be watchdogs on the government, reviewing governmental
activities and spending. Fourth, they are expected to support
their political party.
How do our federal Members of Parliament rate?
Many of these men and women are truly dedicated to the betterment
of this country, and I know they must become very discouraged
to know how little respect there seems to be for politicians
today. Unfortunately, there are also Members of Parliament
who are willing to compromise their integrity simply for reasons
of personal ambition. The same-sex marriage issue is a good
example.
I have no issue with those MP's who are honestly
in favour of same-sex marriage and made this clear prior to
election. They are acting with integrity so far as their personal
beliefs are concerned, and certainly the voters were well
aware of the positions they would take on same-sex marriage,
if elected. I do take issue, however, with those MP's who
just a few years ago voted firmly for traditional marriage,
but who now would vote to change the traditional meaning of
marriage despite protests from so many of their constituents.
There are times when a Member of Parliament
is torn between personal preferences and the policies of the
party. Sometimes, to support one's party, some compromise
is required. This is a political fact of life, and while I
may be disappointed about how a Member whom I respect has
voted on an issue, I can at times excuse his or her action.
However, when it comes to moral issues, I am not willing to
accept such a compromise, especially when it is apparent that
honour and integrity have been overcome by self interest.
Our Members of Parliament were elected to serve the people,
not to feather their nests!
It appears there will be some changes in this
sorry state of affairs, and I am optimistic about the future,
but nothing will change without Canadian citizens taking a
stand. Please do your best to support all honest, hard-working
candidates for Member of Parliament at election time. And
pray for Canada!
God bless
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