CFUW Kanata

Hazel left us suddenly in November 2025, a mere five days before her 80th birthday. She had been a member of CFUW Kanata since 2014. While we were profoundly shocked and saddened by her passing, we cannot let her go without expressing how special she was to us, our club, and her extensive community at large.

CFUW Leaside-East York

Pat Barnett, member of CFUW Leaside-East York, and President of the East York Historical Society was awarded the King Charles Coronation medal on June 9, 2025. She is in the photo, second from the left, along with other local winners.

It was a wonderful surprise to hear that one of our members, Pat Barnett, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal. She has BA, MA and PhD degrees in Theology. Pat has served on our executive and has been president of the East York Historical Society for many yers. She has volunteered as a Puppeteer for The Concerned Kids and for TDSB school classes. She has worked in a Men’s Prison and with Sprint Canada’s Friends of the Elderly, and has also written a children’s book.

Congratulations, Pat Barnett!

CFUW Nepean

CFUW Nepean member Grace Brown wrote History of Black Women in Canada’s Civil Rights Movement a fantastic article in the February edition of the Club's newsletter highlighting three Black Canadian women and their role in the Canadian Civil Rights movement.

"During Black History Month, the significant yet frequently unacknowledged contributions of Canadian Black women to civil rights and social justice are recognized across Canada. Often operating at the grassroots level and away from public attention, these individuals actively confronted discrimination, strengthened communities, and contributed to the development of a more equitable society."

Read the piece HERE

Learn More About Black History in Canada

February is a meaningful time to deepen our understanding of Black history in Canada, and we are pleased to highlight two rich resources that bring these stories to life.

The Canadian Museum of History’s “Black Women Changemakers of the 19th and 20th Centuries” is an in‑depth learning package that celebrates Black women through the lenses of identity, joy, resilience, and activism. It highlights trailblazers such as Mattie Mayes, Joan Jones, and Michie Mee, along with influential community movements like the Coloured Women’s Club and the 1989 protest at the Royal Ontario Museum. Developed by educators and guided by leading scholars, this resource centres Black voices and explores the cultural strength, creativity, and advocacy that shaped a representative Canada.

Explore the resource:
https://www.historymuseum.ca/teachers-zone/black-women-changemakers-of-the-19th-and-20th-centuries/

The Black Life: Untold Stories project offers a complementary and immersive digital experience. In addition to its eight‑part CBC documentary series, the initiative includes an engaging online platform that functions much like a virtual museum visit. Through archival materials, interactive storytelling, historical context, and multimedia elements, it reframes over 400 years of Black experiences in Canada. The online experience dispels long‑held myths, highlights stories of resistance and creativity, and provides a nuanced understanding of Black Canadian history for contemporary audiences.

Learn more about the project:
https://www.blacklifeseries.com/

We encourage all members to explore these resources and engage with the rich, complex, and essential histories they illuminate.

GWI Top-Ups

We have received our annual invoice from GWI and have sent out the top-up invoices to opt-in Clubs. If you did not receive an invoice, please reach out to Elizabeth Malcolm, memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca and one will be forwarded to you.

Please note that the payments are due by February 28th, 2026, and can be paid by cheque or e-transfer. Please send the e-transfer to execdir@cfuw-fcfdu.ca and if a security question is required, please make the answer GWI2026

CARP Update

Please note that CARP is currently experiencing some technical issues with their CRM system. This issue is affecting the link to register. They will update us once the problem is resolved. We appreciate your patience.

Demystifying the Board: 2026-2028 Biennium Elections Webinar Jan. 29, 2026

A recording of the webinar can be found here: https://youtu.be/XcOE6SkSF8k

Nominations Period:

Feb. 27: Call for Nominations

April 13th : Deadline to submit

Upcoming CFUW newsletters and the new Nominations Folder in the CFUW Members Drive will continue to keep you informed.

To continue "demystifying" the CFUW National Board, we will be sharing snippets of Board job descriptions over the next few weeks.

Thinking About Member Proposals??

What are member proposals? Motions of any kind. We usually think of motions discussed at a general meeting as being limited to Resolutions (in CFUW this means motions to establish advocacy policy) and Bylaw amendments.

Members (CFUW Clubs) can submit motions on a variety of topics. As long as they propose action that is within the purposes of CFUW or that addresses how CFUW conducts business (bylaw amendments, amendments to procedure, resolutions, dues motions, nominations) member proposals can be considered at the AGM or a policy session. The Articles and Bylaws Committee handles all such member proposals except nominations, which are handled by the Nominations Committee and “Resolutions”, which are handled by the Resolutions committee.

More information, as well as forms, can be found HERE

This Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate love, compassion, and connection, we invite Clubs and members to show their love in a powerful way — by supporting our International Service Project: Young, Happy, Healthy & Safe – Zambia, in partnership with the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Love is more than a sentiment. It’s action. It’s care. It’s creating opportunity.

Our goal this year is to raise $15,000 to help ensure that girls in rural Eastern Zambia have access to critical sexual and reproductive health education. This life-changing knowledge helps protect girls from:

early marriage and pregnancy
gender-based violence
HIV infection
burdensome caregiving responsibilities
other barriers that limit their health, safety, and future opportunities

When girls are informed and supported, they are empowered to stay in school, make healthy decisions, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

This February, we invite you to honour the spirit of Valentine’s Day by extending your heart beyond borders. Your gift is an expression of solidarity, hope, and belief in the potential of every girl.

More information, including a link to donate, is available on our website. Please remember to include your Club name with your contribution so we can celebrate your support.

Your generosity this Valentine’s season will help ensure that girls in Zambia grow up young, happy, healthy, and safe.

Thank you for sharing the love — and for making a meaningful difference.

CFUW Charitable Trust Library Award 2026

The CFUW Charitable Trust Library Award was created to promote literacy and learning by supporting new and innovative approaches, actively encouraging community involvement and advocating for the Canadian library system.

The CFUW Charitable Trust welcomes nominations from CFUW Clubs across the country for organizations addressing clear and current needs of the community, for projects expected to have a long-term impact which would be supported by the $4000 award.

Applications using the fillable form https://forms.gle/Bn1uB7aBfPyKpHSTA are due by April 15, 2026.

Both the Nominating Club and Community Organization information needs to be completed on the same form, and submitted by the due date for consideration.

We are looking for CFUW members to join the Library Awards committee. This would require just a few hours of time in late April/early May to read through applications and one Zoom meeting to make our decisions on the winner of the award. If interested, please contact: chair@cfuwcharitabletrust.ca.

CFUW Charitable Trust Fellowships Committee

The Charitable Trust Fellowship Committee is recruiting bilingual committee members. The Fellowships and Awards review period is a short-term three-month project, from approximately early February to May with flexible hours. Individuals work in teams. All applications are online and training is provided with our partner, Universities Canada.

For more information, please contact Sandy Thomson fellowships@cfuwcharitabletrust.ca

CAMEUS Virtual CSW70 Session: Justice for Women Amid North America’s Immigration Policy Shift

Session Overview
CAMEUS will host a virtual CSW70 session entitled Justice for Women Amid North America’s Immigration Policy Shift. This event will explore the impact of recent changes in immigration policy across North America, focusing particularly on the effects experienced by women and children. Shifts in border controls, visa regulations, asylum procedures, and deportation policies have significantly affected access to migration, legal protections, and opportunities for migrants, exacerbating challenges for vulnerable groups.

Read the full article HERE

Join us on March 5th at 5:00 p.m. for the CFUW Op‑Ed Challenge 2026 Webinar, led by Camila Taipe, CFUW’s National Advocacy and Policy Specialist.

This session will introduce the second iteration of the Op‑Ed Challenge, running from January 9 to April 9, 2026, and will help inspire and prepare members to write impactful Op‑Eds for publication in their local newspapers. Participants will be able to ask questions, use the space to brainstorm ideas and discuss potential topics to write about.

This year we are pleased to announce that the 2026 IWD film will be The Nest, provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada. The film can be made available in 4K quality (.MP4) as well as a .DCP version for theatrical screenings. Please reach out to Camila (advocacy@cfuw-fcfdu.ca) to confirm which version you require by no later than March 1st 2026.

Note: The format of film you need depends on your plans for its screening. If you are working with a theatre or library, ask them what format they need. MP4 should be fine for home use.

FAQ

Q: Is there anything my club needs to do to access the film in addition to requesting it?

A: No, any club who contacts Camila before March 1st will have access to the film. The only request from the National Film Board is to provide them with the name of the CFUW Club organizing the screening, the names of any co-presenting partners (if applicable), and attendance number for your screening.

Q: Can my club charge for admission to the screening of the film?

A: No, to ensure compliance with the NFB broadcasting regulations, the participating screenings must be free of charge. Screenings with voluntary donations are also eligible, as long as there is no minimum fee required to attend.

Q: My event is on X day in March, will the film be available?

A: Yes if your club has requested a link of the film to be sent to you before March 1st it will be available anytime in March as long as it's part of our International Women's Day initiative.

Q: Are there any rules around promoting the event or using promotional materials?

A: All promotional materials must include the following acknowledgment: “The film is provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.” Clubs may use the electronic press kit, which includes text, posters, trailers, and images: https://mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-nest/

Q: What do I do after my screening?

A: You must delete the film after your club completes its screenings for International Women's Day event. If you are having multiple screenings for International Women's Day then you may use the film multiple times. The National Film Board is allowing clubs to use this film for our International Women's Day initiative only.

Monday Membership Moment (MMM) resources available on the CFUW National Members Drive link : (including Interest Groups from January)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bZwx1S-DLMhCUlsnKlEWIh9_j4KukC2f

February 23^rd Member Recognition/Awards—ways to build a supportive network within our clubs by thanking long term members, new members and others who make our clubs special: Recognize & Celebrate our members Do not forget to register.

Register here:

https://canadianfederationofuniversitywomen.growthzoneapp.com/ap/r/5a6dcb7ce6ee45babf43362d229e3a66

March 23^rd AGM101 Getting the inside scoop for new delegates and returning on Montreal’s AGM including the business meeting, the Policy session, the conference, and the FUN.

Have you been to an in person CFUW National AGM before? We would love to hear a short story of what attending meant to you. Email me!

Excited to attend your 1^st AGM? Let’s hear what you are looking forward to learning and doing? Email me!

(Please try to keep your response short! Point form works too. )

Anne Cordon

VP Membership vpmembership@cfuw.ca

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!

A recording of a previous Drop-In is available HERE

CFUW Interest Groups Across the Country
CFUW FAQ Page
CFUW Member's Drive Resource Document
CFUW Member's Drive
CFUW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resources
Zoom Request Form
CFUW Newsletter Archives
CFUW YouTube Channel

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.

Bill C-12 creates:

Mass Permit Cancellation Powers: The Immigration Minister gains authority to cancel permits for entire groups without due process—including revoking permanent residency applications already submitted. Migrants could lose status overnight with no legal recourse.

One-Year Refugee Deadline: Bill C-12 blocks anyone in Canada over one year from claiming refugee status—even if their home country becomes dangerous after arrival. This applies retroactively to everyone since June 2020, abandoning international humanitarian law.

Eliminates US Border Exception: Previously, migrants crossing from the US between official ports could apply for refugee status after 14 days. Bill C-12 removes this completely, trapping vulnerable people under Trump’s xenophobic policies.

Privacy Protections Removed: The bill allows unrestricted information sharing about migrants across all government levels. Undocumented workers asserting labour rights could face deportation when employers report them to border enforcement.

Write to your MP using Migrant Rights Network's tool HERE

CFUW Sherbrooke & District Cheers on Team Canada

CFUW Sherbrooke & District showed their Olympic pride at their February 10th meeting, with members decking themselves in red and white! These excited Canadians are looking forward to hosting members following the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference.

Go Canada Go!

MLUWC's Nancy Acemian on CBC Radio

MLUWC's Nancy Acemian was recently interviewed on CBC Radio to discuss Cold Night of the Year.

Listen HERE

WG-USA: The Dismantling of USAID One-Year Later - Keeping People Safe during Rising Authoritarianism

Although public opinion often estimated that up to 20% of the federal budget was directed to all foreign aid programs, the actual amount has traditionally amounted to 1-1.2%, with less than half of that from the USAID budget. However, the loss of this funding is nearly incalculable on many terms – the human misery and death, and the loss of benefits to the U.S. of this “soft diplomacy” approach.

Our speaker, Anna Zoras with Nonviolent Peaceforce, is well-suited to share these impacts. Anna (she/her) has over fifteen years of experience working with community building peace, justice, and healing from the Philippines to Bolivia, to the United States. Anna is currently the Director of Advancement for Nonviolent Peaceforce and has previously served as the Interim Head of Nonviolent Peaceforce USA, based in Minneapolis. Anna holds a Master's in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame, where she focused her research and practice on women's inclusion in peace and development and interreligious peacebuilding. WG-USA has worked with Nonviolent Peaceforce on presentations at CSW in the early years of the organization. We are delighted to have this opportunity to hear their experience and perspective.

This webinar is a presentation of The New Paradigm Series, focused on the impacts of current U.S. policy and administrative actions.

Thursday, February 19 at 3:00 PM ET (2:00 CT, 1:00 PM MT, 12:00 PT)

Register HERE

CFUW Ontario Council Speaker Series:

AI: Artificial Intelligence and Education

This talk examines the role of generative artificial intelligence in education, focusing on both its potential to support creativity and critical thinking, as well as the ethical considerations that need to be addressed in the process. While generative AI offers new possibilities for idea generation, workflow and learning support, its uncritical use raises serious concerns related to cognitive offloading and the erosion of creativity and critical thinking skills.

GWI Update - February 11th, 2026

GWI Toolkit - International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

GWI CSW70 Advocacy Training - Register HERE

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

CFUW Nepean - February 2026

CFUW Stratford - February 2026

CFUW Aurora/Newmarket - February 2026

CFUW Perth & District - February 2026

CFUW Peterborough - February 2026

CFUW Kanata - Winter 2026