|
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
REAL WOMEN ON THE GO: OUR FUTURE WORK
A Talk by C. Gwendolyn Landolt
National Vice President
REAL Women of Canada
Summary by: Lorraine McNamara
Past President REAL Women of
Canada
In her talk on the role of REAL Women of Canada,
Gwen Landolt provided insight into the difficulties REAL Women
faced in the past, and how the situation has changed in recent
years. She stressed the importance of continuing to fight
for the family in Canada.
Nobody asked me for my opinion!
By 1983 radical feminist groups were receiving
significant government funding, based on their claim to speak
for “all Canadian women”. They would declare, “The
women of Canada demand….” and the government would
respond. Gwen’s indignant response was, “Who are
these women daring to represent all Canadian women? Nobody
asked me for my opinion!” There had to be an alternative
voice.
With Gwen at the helm, REAL Women was started
by just seven concerned women in Toronto. Our organization
has since grown to be a national women’s organization,
with provincial chapters as well as several local city chapters.
It is the alternative voice of women, spearheading the battle
for the promotion and protection of family life.
We knew the radical feminists were heavily
funded by the Women’s Program, Secretary of State, and
although in principle we did not agree with funding for special
interest groups, we believed that in order to participate
in the political arena, we must also apply for government
funding. However, back in 1983 – 1984 REAL Women could
not even get an application form, from the Status of Women!
It was not until we phoned the Women’s Program, Secretary
of State, and identified ourselves as a new group of women
called, the “National Association of Lesbian Mothers”,
that an application form immediately was sent to us –
together with a welcoming note! (We’ve preserved the
note for posterity)
After numerous complaints to the Status of
Women and friendly MPs, the Conservative government at that
time did grudgingly give some very small grants – nothing
in comparison to that which was doled out to the feminist
organizations. All grants to REAL Women were suspended by
the Status of Women in 1996.
REAL Women is not for turning!
REAL Women of Canada for several years was
treated with disdain and barely tolerated by successive Liberal
governments, its officials, and the media. We were described
as “women who were against” women’s issues,
never described as an alternative voice for women. Fortunately,
we are not easily intimidated or pushed around. As former
British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher once famously said,
“This lady is not for turning”. Nor is REAL Women!
We have always been steadfast in our beliefs
and positions. Because of our firm stance we have gained respect
and acknowledgment over time from the government (even Liberal
ones!) and the media. Now, when we write letters, put out
press releases and make presentations to government committees,
we are taken seriously. Nearly every day the Toronto or Ottawa
offices are contacted by the media for interviews. It is now
recognized that REAL Women is the voice of conservative pro-family
women in Canada and that our positions are well researched
and articulate – so it is difficult to ignore us.
We cannot expect miracles.
The new Conservative government is planning
to put forward some good legislation. Since 2002 the Conservatives
have been making it a priority to raise the age of consent
from 14 to 16 (Canada’s age of consent is the lowest
in the western world). It has already introduced a bill to
this effect (See Conservatives To Raise Age of Consent). The
child pornography law will be changed to remove the excuse
of “artistic merit” as a defence. (Why should an
artist be protected from responsibility for the harm he or
she has caused?). Criminal sentences will be strengthened,
and marijuana and prostitution will not be de-criminalized,
as had been planned by the former Liberal government.
Gwen warned, however, that we probably cannot
expect that there will be any drastic changes in funding for
special interest groups, despite the blatantly unfair situation.
In a minority situation, there is only so much this Conservative
government can do and we do not want the media to jump all
over the government at this time on highly controversial issues.
We must be rational and try to assist this government to reach
a majority in the next election. There is no guarantee that
this will happen, despite the favourable polls, so it is crucial
that pro-family Canadians become involved in politics to ensure
our candidates get nominated and elected.
Same-sex marriage legislation must be properly
analyzed!
Presently, the major concern to be addressed
is the same-sex marriage issue which will be before Parliament
this fall. Gwen reminded the conference participants how the
same-sex marriage legislation was rammed through Parliament
last June in a shockingly undemocratic manner. The 39 Liberal
cabinet ministers and the 19 members of the NDP Caucus were
ordered to vote for the bill, thus denying their constituents
any say on the issue. No amendments were permitted and closure
was imposed to shut down the debate. No consideration was
made of the effects of the legislation on children. In this
regard, it is significant that the National Assembly in France
on January 26, 2006 tabled a report which rejected same-sex
marriage because it was not in the best interest of children.
REAL Women is still in the forefront!
Although the times are still difficult, they
are somewhat easier than in the past as the Canadian public
has become generally more conservative to-day. The present
Conservative government at least listens, even if it cannot
do as much as it would like to do. REAL Women continues to
analyze legislation and lobby the government. It is important
however, that others do so as well. We must let our pro-family
Members of Parliament know of our concerns, and we must become
involved in the next federal election campaign. It is important
also that local newspapers receive letters supporting pro-family
issues, because they often receive a great many letters from
well-organized groups, such as day-care lobbyists or homosexual
rights activists, who spring into action whenever their issues
are raised. E-mail communications and petitions are not nearly
as effective as letters. Best of all, make a personal visit
to your Member of Parliament. REAL Women will do everything
it can to provide you with any background information you
may require.
In conclusion, Gwen confirmed that REAL Women
of Canada has always been in the forefront in the political
and legal battles of the day. She vowed that we will continue
to carry on the battle for the family for many years to come.
REAL Women never give up!
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
