2010:01a. INCLUSION OF CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS IN THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION
Whereas 1
- According to the Rotterdam Convention’s review committee, chrysotile (the dominant form of asbestos found in Canada) is unequivocally a human carcinogen.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies agree, and Canada acknowledges that all forms of asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, are carcinogenic.
Whereas 2
- Canada is the only western democracy to have consistently opposed international efforts to regulate the global trade in asbestos.
- For several years, Canada has led opposition to listing chrysotile under the Rotterdam Convention.
Whereas 3
- The sale of asbestos is illegal in Canada.
- Data show increasing consumption of Canadian asbestos under the sales activities of Chrysotile Canada Inc.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance in the Rotterdam Convention.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to include chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance in the Rotterdam Convention.
Resolved 3
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ratify the Rotterdam Convention without delay.
2010:01b. BAN ON MINING AND EXPORTS OF ALL FORMS OF ASBESTOS
Whereas 1
- There is global consensus that exposure to all types of asbestos can kill.
- This view is supported by the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Programme on Chemical Safety, the European Union, the Collegium Ramazzini, the International Social Security Association, the World Trade Organization, the International Commission on Occupational Health, 39 countries, and scores of independent scientists.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the cessation of the mining and export of all forms of asbestos.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ban the mining and export of all forms of asbestos.
Resolved 3
- That the National Council of Women of Canada recommend to Provincial Councils of Women, where applicable, to urge their respective provincial governments:
a. To cease their mining and export of all forms of asbestos.
b. To retire or retrain those workers affected by this move.
c. To provide transitional support for affected communities.
2010:02 THE NEED FOR A CENTRAL REGISTRY OF ASBESTOS
Whereas 1
- In Canada, there is no central registry of medical asbestos cases as there is in other countries, so no predictions of problems can be made.
Whereas 2
- In November 2007, a paper titled “Exploratory Sampling of Asbestos in Residences near Thetford Mine: The Public Health Threat in Quebec” reported that levels of asbestos in more than half the homes were excessive.
Whereas 3
- Canadian Occupational Health agency studies have concluded that exposure to asbestos accounted for approximately 60% of all work-related deaths in the country in 2005.
Whereas 4
- “Bystander” cases of asbestos-related diseases have been documented.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the creation of a Central Registry of people living with medical effects from asbestos, and of buildings containing asbestos.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to develop a plan to include:
a. A national surveillance system to track health outcomes of people who have been exposed to asbestos.
b. A listing of buildings that contain asbestos.
2010:03 FURTHER STUDY NEEDED OF EXCITOTOXINS IN THE FOOD SUPPLY
Whereas 1
- Excitotoxins such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and aspartame are used as flavor enhancers and sweeteners in food.
Whereas 2
- In small amounts, these additives are usually harmless to human health.
Whereas 3
- With the proliferation of prepared foods and drinks containing excitotoxins, people are ingesting increasing amounts.
Whereas 4
- There is increasing anecdotal evidence of excitotoxins playing a role in the development of neurological disorders, degenerative diseases by the production of free radicals, and obesity.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the accumulative effect of excitotoxins in the food supply on human health needs more research.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to undertake more study of the accumulative effect of excitotoxins in the food supply on human health, publicize the results widely and, if necessary, regulate the food industry accordingly.
2010:04 DECREASING SODIUM CONSUMPTION BY CANADIANS
Whereas 1
- It is estimated that Canadians consume on average 3092 mg of sodium a day, more than double the recommended amount of 1200 to 1500 mg a day for most adults.
Whereas 2
- Our food habits are established from birth, and many children consume excess sodium.
Whereas 3
- Consumption of too much sodium on a regular basis can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Whereas 4
- It is estimated that about 80% of sodium in the diet of Canadians comes from processed food.
Whereas 5
- In 2007, the Canadian Government created the Sodium Working Group, chaired by Health Canada, to develop a national sodium reduction strategy.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the reduction of sodium intake be part of a national strategy to improve the health of Canadians.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Take all necessary measures to follow the recommendations of the Sodium Reduction Strategy, which is to be published in 2010.
b. Ensure that the Public Health Agency of Canada:- Provides leadership in educating Canadians on the dangers of excessive intake of sodium.
- Develops a strategy and regulations for the reduction of sodium in processed foods.
c. Adopt a color-coding system to indicate the level of sodium in products.
2010:05 FOOD SAFETY – MICROORGANISMS
Whereas 1
- A serious listeriosis outbreak in August 2008 increased healthcare costs and led the Government to initiate an investigation resulting in the “Report of the Independent Investigator into the 2008 Listeriosis Outbreak.”
Whereas 2
- As of September 2009, the Government announced a $75 million investment in Canada’s food safety system, acting on all 57 recommendations from the report.
Whereas 3
- The new investment will enhance the processed meat inspection program but will not include slaughter establishments, fish processing facilities, in-store inspections, or border inspection points.
Whereas 4
- The government’s focus is on end-product testing instead of prevention.
Whereas 5
- There is a shift towards food industry self-policing, with fewer resources allocated for government inspections.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that:
a. Strict operating procedures be followed in cleanliness, inspection, and end-product testing at food processing plants, slaughter establishments, storage facilities, and retail stores in Canada.
b. There should be a focus on preventing food contamination.
c. Food inspections should be conducted by qualified Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspectors and/or provincial or territorial Public Health inspectors.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Implement all recommendations in the “Report of the Independent Investigator into the 2008 Listeriosis Outbreak.”
b. Increase inspection frequency in slaughterhouses, meat and fish processing plants, storage facilities, and retail stores.
c. Focus on prevention by developing comprehensive food safety systems that prevent contamination.
d. Enforce regulations on meat imports and prosecute non-compliance.
e. Ensure a sufficient number of qualified CFIA inspectors across all food processing plants.
f. Educate the public on appropriate cooking temperatures for raw meat products.
2010:06 URGENT AND CRITICAL NEED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND ADEQUATE HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Whereas 1
- The 2003 United Nations Expert Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women urged Canada to provide special housing for vulnerable women.
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes Indigenous rights, autonomy, and improvements in economic and social conditions, including housing.
Whereas 2
- The Assembly of First Nations has declared a housing and infrastructure crisis and developed a six-point plan for renewal, including:
a. Sustainable funding
b. Institutional development
c. Information and research capacity
d. Financing
e. Land management
f. Human resources
Whereas 3
- Long-term and annual government funding has failed to provide sufficient, safe, and sanitary housing and infrastructure for First Nations communities.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples be provided with urgent, sufficient, safe, healthy housing and infrastructure, including roads, clean drinking water, and sanitation.
Resolved 2
- That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to develop and implement housing and infrastructure plans without delay.
b. Ensure housing is supported by necessary infrastructure.
c. Ensure housing is of high quality to ensure healthy living.
d. Ensure housing is sufficiently plentiful to eliminate overcrowding.
e. Take into account the special needs of vulnerable women and families on reserves.
f. Ensure housing meets the National Building Code standards.
2010:01PU MAKING MIDWIFERY SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO WISH TO USE THEM
Whereas 1
- In 1986 and 2008, the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) passed policies promoting the development of Midwifery Services in Canada, calling for the provision of, and access to, services for all Canadian women who request them. This included advocating for adequate funding, legislation, regulations, more midwifery seats, and recognition of foreign-trained midwives.
Whereas 2
- A Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) report shows a shortage of maternity care providers across Canada, which is worse than expected.
Whereas 3
- Two provinces and one territory have not adopted legislation allowing midwives to practice, limiting women’s access to choice of carer and place of birth.
Whereas 4
- In provinces where midwifery is regulated, most midwifery practices have waitlists.
Whereas 5
- Some provinces restrict funding, limiting the number of clients midwives can accept, further restricting access to midwifery care.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the provision of, and access to, midwifery services for all Canadian women who request it.
Resolved 2
- That the NCWC and relevant provincial councils urge their governments to:
a. Pass necessary midwifery legislation and regulations.
b. Increase midwifery training seats and provide funded positions to make midwifery services accessible to all Canadian women.
2010:02PU NUCLEAR POWER: INCLUSION OF RADIOACTIVE EMISSIONS AND WASTE IN THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT RELEASE INVENTORY
Whereas 1
- In 1994, NCWC passed a policy urging the Government of Canada to update the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and ensure mining companies report toxic pollutants.
Whereas 2
- The NPRI is Canada’s public pollutant inventory but does not include radioactive substances released or generated as waste by nuclear facilities.
Whereas 3
- Radionuclides from nuclear facilities have been declared toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), meaning they pose immediate or long-term harm to the environment or biodiversity.
Whereas 4
- The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission does not provide easy public access to information on nuclear waste releases, making it difficult for the public to assess the risks.
Whereas 5
- Canadians deserve transparent information to protect their health and safety from nuclear emissions and waste.
Resolved 1
- That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that radioactive substances released into the environment or generated as waste by nuclear facilities be included in the National Pollutant Release Inventory.
Resolved 2
- That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to include releases of radioactive substances and waste by nuclear facilities in the National Pollutant Release Inventory.
2010:03PU ELIMINATION OF COERCIVE, VIOLENT AND ABUSIVE PROSTITUTION
Whereas 1
- The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopted policy in 2001 titled "Prostitution and Trafficking in Women and Children", reiterating NCWC’s 1983 policy that prostitutes should not be criminalized, except for adults soliciting from minors.
Whereas 2
- Prostitution is a form of male violence that sexually exploits women and children.
Whereas 3
- Prostitution is a product of, and contributes to, gender inequality.
Whereas 4
- Eradication of prostitution is necessary to achieve equality for all women.
Whereas 5
- Prostitution is the leading cause of domestic and global human trafficking of women and youth.
Resolved 1
- That the NCWC adopt as further policy that prostitution involving coercion and/or abuse be eliminated.
Resolved 2
- That the NCWC urge Federal, Provincial, Territorial, and Municipal governments to:
a. Provide a full range of social and economic services and support systems so that prostitutes have realistic options to exit prostitution.
b. Eliminate the procurement of prostitution, including through the internet or electronic means, without criminalizing prostitutes.
2010:04PU INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
Whereas 1
- The Canadian government is in negotiations with the European Union for a new trade agreement.
Whereas 2
- The proposed deal would impose NAFTA-like restrictions on provincial and municipal governments.
Whereas 3
- Such a deal could drain economic stimulus, harm manufacturing, and weaken local governance over public services.
Whereas 4
- Local and provincial governments have the right to:
- Support local or Canadian suppliers.
- Set minimum local procurement rules for projects.
- Adopt ethical and environmental purchasing policies.
- Enforce hiring commitments for local workers.
- Require companies winning contracts to reinvest revenues into Canadian communities.
Resolved 1
- That the NCWC adopt as policy that international trade agreements should:
a. Include full public consultation, transparency, and disclosure.
b. Respect provincial, territorial, and municipal governments’ rights to protect the public interest.
Resolved 2
- That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Ensure full public consultation and transparency in trade negotiations.
b. Respect local governments’ rights to regulate procurement, services, and labour and require companies with public contracts to reinvest profits into Canadian communities.
REITERATION: A COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA’S CHILDREN
Whereas 1
- Many government departments make policy decisions affecting children.
Whereas 2
- The federal government has commitments to improve child welfare and promotes the Children’s Agenda.
Whereas 3
- Canada needs an independent body to monitor the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it ratified in 1991.
Whereas 4
- The Children’s Bureau, created in 1991, lacks independence and cannot fulfill its role.
Whereas 5
- Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children should have a say in decisions affecting them.
Resolved 1
- That the NCWC support the appointment of a Commissioner for Canada’s Children.
Resolved 2
- That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to appoint an independent and non-partisan Commissioner for Canada’s Children, accountable to Parliament, with a mandate to:
a. Ensure a coherent approach to child policy and legislation.
b. Ensure the federal government upholds its commitments to children.
c. Ensure children’s voices are heard in decisions affecting them at the federal level.