FWIO Acts on ACWW Conference 2001 Resolutions The following resolutions were passed at the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Annual Meeting in response to the reso- lutions and recommendations passed at the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Conference in 2001 in Hamilton. On- tario. To review the original resolutions paSSEd by ACWW, refer to page viii ol the Fall 2001 issue of the Home At Country newsletter. Re: the ACWW Resolution on Home Economics 0 Be it resolved that the Federated Women's institutes of Ontario (FWIO) urgently request the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Family Affairs to ensure that Home Economics courses, both practical and theo» retical. are a mandatory component of the Ontario school curriculum. Re: the ACWW Resolution on the Trafficking of Women It Be it resolved that FWIO strongly request the Federal Government to take appropriate measures to address the root factors that encourage the trafficking of women and chil- dren for prostitution and other lorms of commercialized sex, forced marriages and/or forced labour. in order toeliminate these prac- tices. - Be it resolved that FWIO strongly request the United Nations to take appropriate measures to address the root factors that encourage the trafficking of women and children for prostitu- tion and other forms of commercialized sex. forced marriages and/or forced labour, in or- der to eliminate these practices. Re: the ACWW Resolution on the Regulation and Education an Enhanced Foods - Be it resolved that FWIO strongly urge all governments. federal and provincial. to enact legislation which will ensure that all research into enhanced food products will be done at arms length and all results will be fully pubâ€" lished in a timely fashion in order that consumers may make an informed, educated choice when buying food products. Re: the ACWW Resolution on Genetic Engineering - Be it resolved that FWIO call for public ac- countability of genetic engineering. also 8 Home & Country, Spring 2003 referred to as genetic modification. We urge the United Nations to immediately form an international committee whose sole purpose would be to determine the risks, conse» quences and impact of genetically modiï¬ed seeds. plants, food, soil, animals and human beings, and to set lorth public policy recom- mendations to address genetic engineering as a worldwide ethical. political. social and economic issue. Re: the ACWW Resolution on ESE & VUD - Be it resolved that FWIO urgently request the Federal Government to ban the trade of all animals, feed and other products of bovine origin from countries where Bovine Spongi- form Encephalopathy (ESE) has been found within the last twelve months, Re: the ACWW Resolution on HIV / AIDS - Be it resolved that FWIO strongly urge the Federal Government to enact legislation which will ensure that adequate resources to provide local access to HIV lAlDS counselv ing, health and weltare facilities and services are available to all persons including those living in rural areas. Re: the ACWW Rerommendaiion on a Pension Plan for (are Giver: - Be it resolved that FWIO strongly urges the Federal Government to recognize the finan- cial value of full-time work done at home to guarantee equality between the work don outside the home and the work of caring home for the young, disabled and the old - to be recognized by the provision of pension rights. Re: the ACWW Rerommendalion on Malaria â€" Be it resolved that FWIO strongly urge the Federal Government to financially support Canadian scientists researching the preven- tion and treatment of mosquitoâ€"borne diseases. Re: the ACWW Recommendation on Parenthood and Family life - Be it resolved that FWIO urge the Govern- ment of Ontario, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Family Affairs to consider the use of television. whether closed circuit or public. to provide Home Economics and Family Life Courses as a mandatory compo- nent of the school curriculum. - Be it resolved that FWIO strongly urge the Federal Government to provide Home Economics and Family Life Skills through sponsored education to the brightest youth in the countries of the Developing World in order that they may return home and educate others. lobbying Coordinator’s Report - Ruth Kennedy So far. my time has been spent writing letters to go along with the resolutions passed at the FWIO Annual Meeting in January, In addition. with the help of Maritta Saharinen of Kars WI. Carleton District. I made a presentation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The brief on the Stage 2 Draft Nutrient Management Regulations and Protocols was presented in Carleton Place on February 3. 2003. The brief stressed the need for province-wide criteria and standards to be developed before allowing bio solids to be Spread on agricultural land. More research must be done to determine the content of nonâ€"agricultural nutrients in order to protect our health and the environment. This was the followup to an earlier resolution banning the use of bio solids “until province-wide standards can ensure safe usage." I also urge Branches to lobby their MPPS regarding the following resolution passed at the Annual Meeting: I That FWIO strongly urge the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General to enact legislation to amend the Gaming Control Act, 1992. so as to enable volunteer organizations to conduct raffles and draws, which not an annual income of up to $5.000. under a separate set of guidelines. .) Ruth Kennedy is the new Lobbying Coordinator for FWIO. She can be reached at 647 Thomas Dolan Parkway. RR 1. Dunrobl'n ON KOA 1T0. Phone: 613â€"832-7044, Fax: 613-832-0651. Email: (ulzean1@yahoo.com