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Web Posted November 28
About the MFL Women's Committee

Link to explanation of what the women's committee does
Link to List of Women's Committee members
Link to activities of Women's Committee
Link to features on union women

MFL Women's Conference Great Success

70 people participated in the conference from November 24 to 26.

Women's Conference attendees

About 70 people participated in the Manitoba Federation of Labour Women's Conference on November 24, 25 and 26. A lot of those people were first time delegates to the conference.

The conference inspired new sisters attending their first conference, and re-energized sisters who have been involved in the movement for a number of years. The conference began Thursday evening with MFL President Darlene Dziewit sharing with sisters at the conference her stories about her experiences throughout the years within the labour movement. Using humour and her own stories, Darlene talked about the many obstacles woman have faced both in the workplace and in their challenge of becoming active within their own unions.

Following Sister Dziewit's speech, delegates to the conference welcomed the Honourable Christine Melnick, Minister responsible for Family Services and Housing, who spoke about the work the Manitoba government has been doing in support of child care. Minister Melnick too, shared with the women at the conference her ideas on 'Maximizing Women's Potential'.

The formal part of Thursday evening's event was followed by a reception where those attending the conference had an opportunity to network.

Women in workshop

Three workshops were held throughout the day Friday and on Saturday morning.

  • Finding Our Voices/Developing Leadership
  • From Cradle to Grave/Financial Planning (photo above))
  • Bridging Cultures/When Union Culture meets Aboriginal Culture (photo below)
Women in workshop

The Honourable Nancy Allan, Minister responsible for the Status of Women spoke at lunch on Saturday. Minister Allan spoke on the work that government was doing in support of issues affecting women.

  • CPP credit splitting initiative
  • Funding for Child Care
  • Pension Benefit Amendments
  • Changes to the legislation re Common Law Relationships
  • Changes to the legislation on Workplace Safety & Health Act
  • Needlestick legislation
  • Supportive Legislation on maternity/paternity leave
  • Minimum wage

Minister Allan also spoke about the current review of the Employment Standards Act and how that would benefit women.

The conference ended with individuals and groups presenting overviews of each of the workshops.