DATE: May 31, 2025
FROM: Glenda Carson, National Chairperson of Social Justice
TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers, National Life Member Liaison
Please forward this message to chairpersons of social justice
according to your provincial communications protocol.
My dear sisters in the League,
This memo includes social justice updates and information on resources for members.
Revocation of the Charitable Status of Pro-life and Religious Organizations and the Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Criteria to Include Advanced Consent:
In December 2024, the federal Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) issued recommendations to revoke the charitable status of pro-life and religious organizations. In response, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) published a letter addressing this matter and the ongoing expansion of MAiD criteria to include advanced consent. National resources were developed to assist members in responding to the CCCB’s call to action and were distributed directly to parish council presidents and secretaries on May 6th. The resources include background information, templates for petitions and letters and talking points.
Some members have inquired whether provincial legislators should be contacted using the resources. As both issues pertain to federal legislation, the most important action is to communicate directly with the member of parliament in your constituency.
If you did not receive the communiqué and accompanying resources, they are available on the national website.
Revised National Resolutions Handbook (2025):
The newly revised Resolutions Handbook is available by logging in to the national website and looking under the Resources/Manuals section. While the criteria for adopting national resolutions remain unchanged, the revised version includes expanded and clarified information on the development of resolutions. It is not essential that the revised version of the handbook be reflected in the 2025 resolutions being developed. Councils that prepared resolutions using the 2023 version will be taken into account.
MLA (Modern Language Association) Resource Update:
Members have continued to express a strong interest in having a national resource to support the use of MLA formatting for resolutions. This guide will be developed. Once it is posted on the national website, provincial chairpersons will be notified. Stay tuned!
Indigenous Relations Subcommittee Upcoming Webinar: June 3rd at 6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Be sure to attend “Walking Together with Indigenous Sisters: Making Connections.” This webinar will introduce the national Indigenous relations subcommittee members, who will share personal experiences and insights into reconciliation journeys, offering inspiration for building meaningful relationships. To register, visit the Events Calendar.
New Indigenous Relations Resources Coming Soon:
Keep an eye on the national website for two upcoming resources:
- A guide for the development and use of Land Acknowledgements for League meetings,
events and liturgies. - “Building Relationships with Indigenous Catholic Women,” a brief guide on approaches to
initiating or strengthening relationships with Indigenous sisters and neighbours.
It is my sincere hope that these resources will be beneficial to social justice efforts by councils at
all levels. Great gratitude goes to all the subcommittee members under the national social justice
standing committee and to everyone who has worked with dedication and commitment to
uphold and implement the principles of social justice.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us as we continue to work to protect the dignity of individuals,
provide voices for societal support to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized and contribute to
the vital preservation of this beautiful and sacred world.