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August 29th, 2025This publication contains time-sensitive information directed to Club Executives and members and pertains to CFUW activities and events. Please send relevant pieces to ALL Club members. |
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In this Edition:
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Welcome, Camila! |
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Hello CFUW! My name is Camila Taipe and I am so excited to start my role here as the new National Advocacy and Policy Specialist. Prior to joining CFUW I worked for four years at Women and Gender Equality Canada in Program Policy and Strategic Policy. I have a Master's in Public Administration with a specialization in Gender and Feminist Studies from the University of Ottawa, and a B.A (Hons) in International Relations and Gender and Women's Studies from York University. I have always been very interested in and passionate about the intersection of gender equality and public policy and I feel very lucky to continue working in this field.
On a personal note, I really enjoy being creative and artistic, particularly in the area of fibre arts. I enjoy cross-stitching, punch needling, loom knitting, and crocheting. I am a huge Formula 1 fan and I love to read as well. I like to swim and I have recently taken up running as well. I have a two year old nephew who I absolutely adore and spoil him with so many books my sister is running out of storage space.
I am looking forward to connecting with everyone and working together to continue the important advocacy work that CFUW does so well.
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Pharmacare Letter to the Minister of Health |
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To: The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health Re: National Pharmacare Agreements
Dear Minister of Health, I am writing on behalf of CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women), a national, self-funded organization founded in 1919. With 90 Clubs across Canada and more than 6,700 members, we work nationally and within our communities to achieve equality and social justice through continuous learning and empowerment, granting more than $1 million a year in scholarships and awards.
We are writing today to inquire about the pharmacare agreements promised last year to Canadians. In 2017, CFUW-FCFDU resolved as a national body to urge the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to deliver universal pharmacare, a publicly funded and financially sustainable drug plan that would cover medically necessary prescription drugs for all Canadians, regardless of their ability to pay. After years of campaigning from non-governmental organizations, patient groups, and other members of the public, we were pleased to see that this long-awaited pharmacare program would include universal and single-payer coverage.
We are now joining in on the concerns raised by Canadian health advocacy organizations regarding the implementation of the pharmacare agreements throughout Canada. So far, only three provinces and one territory have signed on, while negotiations with the rest have seemingly stalled.
Minister Michel, when asked about the lack of new pharmacare negotiations with the provinces at a press conference in Fredericton, you remarked that, “it’s a new government, and we are in a new context, and we have to have discussions with the provinces to see how we can support them.” While we may be in a new context, Canadians’ need for pharmacare remains unchanged. Moreover, your government pledged in its platform to protect dental care and pharmacare, highlighting that these are critical services and key parts of a strong public health care system. As you know, affordable medication is an essential element of a high-quality healthcare system. For far too long, Canadians have been paying higher prices for prescription drugs than most other developed countries, resulting in unacceptable financial burdens on patients. In particular, federal funding of contraceptive and diabetes medications for patients is paramount to the health and well-being of Canadians.
We would appreciate any information you can provide about moving forward with signing pharmacare agreements with the remaining provinces and territories. Canadians are facing many challenges, and your government has the opportunity to ensure that their ability to afford medication is not among them.
Yours sincerely Linda Sestock National President, CFUW Présidente nationale, FCFDU
Letter to Health Minister Michel: Pharmacare Agreements at Risk Lettre a la Ministre de la Sante Michel: Regime National Assurance Medicament |
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CFUW GWI Delegation Press Release |
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FOR RELEASE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Canadian women attending Graduate Women International (GWI) Triennial in Lusaka, Zambia
This year marks the 106th anniversary of both CFUW and GWI, and women from around the world will be gathering in Lusaka, Zambia for GWI’s first in-person triennial since Geneva in 2019, when GWI’s 100th Anniversary was celebrated.
Graduate Women International (GWI) advocates for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education and training up to the highest levels. The GWI vision is 100% of girls and women in the world achieving education beyond primary school. The theme for the 2025 Triennial builds on this vision - Building the Future; Integrating Culture, Education and Empowerment for Sustainability.
These women will represent CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women) as a part of the organization’s delegation to GWI’s triennial from September 11 to 13.
CFUW is a women’s organization with 6,700 members in 90 Clubs throughout Canada. Founded in 1919, CFUW represents a strong voice for the support of this international organization. Canada, together with Great Britain and the United States, was a founding member of GWI in 1919, originally known as International Federation of University Women (IFUW). GWI has National Federations or Associations (NFAs) in 48 countries and individual members in 40 others. Canada, Mexico and the United States (CAMEUS) continue to work together as one of GWI’s five Regional groups with annual presentations to the UN Commission on the Status of Women, focusing on women migrants and education.
Delegates will be voting on the following resolutions that are coming before the GWI General Assembly.
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Draft Schedule for the 2026 Montreal AGM and Conference. Please note: this is a draft schedule and is subject to change, although arrival and departure dates will remain the same.
Monday, July 20th, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, First Timers Meet and Greet (PM). Tuesday, July 21st, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) Tours/Excursions around Montreal (TBD). Full day trip and half day excursions will be available. Opening ceremonies dinner. Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026: Regional Meetings, AGM Session, Member Led Sessions. Thursday, July 23rd, 2026: Policy Session, Member Led Sessions. Hosted Dinner with LAC. Friday, July 24th, 2026: Conference Keynotes & Speakers and Sessions. Check-Out and Departure (PM).
Please note: CFUW Sherbrooke will be planning post-AGM and Conference activities/events in the Eastern Townships region, South East of Montreal for all day Saturday, July 25th and returning delegates to the airport by 3 pm Sunday, July 26th - in time for late afternoon flights.
More information to follow as the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference schedule is confirmed. |
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2026 CFUW Policy Session Resolution Intents |
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This notice is to advise Clubs, Councils and Committees that the due date for Intents to write a resolution for the 2026 Policy Session will be October 23, 2025. The Intent submission includes a proposed title/topic and a short paragraph explaining what the resolution is about.
An updated Resolutions Information and Guidelines 2025-2026, including the full schedule for resolutions will be ready for reference in early September. In the interim the current Resolutions Information and Guidelines 2024-2025 remains active as the guiding resource for writing a Resolution Intent. |
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Save the Date: 2025-2027 International Service Project Launches September 5th! |
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Young, Happy, Healthy & Safe - Zambia
The 2025-2027 International Service Project is with our new partner the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Over the upcoming year, our goal is to raise $15,000 from CFUW Clubs and members to support girls learning about sexual and reproductive health in rural Eastern Zambia. Education for girls on health and rights information can help protect them from early marriage and pregnancy, gender-based violence, HIV infection, caregiving responsibilities and other determinants that directly impact their quality of life.
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Elizabeth Malcolm will be hosting biweekly (every two weeks) drop-in sessions for the CFUW Members Drive and CFUW Members Database. We cover topics such as: how to update Club Executive information, event calendar submissions, resources available in the Members Drive and so much more!
Register HERE |
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Have you checked out the new CFUW Event Calendar? It’s jam packed with CFUW Committee meetings, Club Events, and important dates from the National Office!
Clubs are encouraged to submit their events to the CFUW National Event Calendar through the CFUW Member Database. |
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Draw the Line is an international campaign addressing the climate crisis, and Seniors for Climate is one of many partners across Canada.
Together we’re working toward the September 20 Day of Action because …
Learn more HERE |
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Preventing Intimate Partner Homicide:
Founded in 2003, the mandate of Ontario’s multi-disciplinary Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) is to assist the Office of the Chief Coroner in the investigation and review of deaths of persons that occur as a result of intimate partner homicide and to make recommendations to help prevent further deaths. In March 2023, a new 15-member DVDRC committee was appointed and began reviewing deaths. The first report of the new committee will be released this fall.
For those Clubs working on Gender Based Violence advocacy and all other interested members - register HERE |
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Tickets can be purchased HERE |
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Do you want your Club’s newsletter shared in the CFUW Club Action newsletter? Send your newsletter to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
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