VOL. 13, NO. 1. SPRING/SUMMER 2003

LEAFWomen’s Legal Education and Action Fund • Fonds d’action et d’educationnes juridiques pour les femmes IN THIS ISSUE The Law Project 1 The Law Project BY KATE STEPHENSON 1 Stellar Guest List Lights up the Night n 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence back on track and refocusing decided the case of Nancy Law v. Canada. the courts’ attention on substantive equality. 2 The case involved a widow’s claim that her We are starting by identifying and under- Message from the Chair I equality rights were violated when she was standing the flaws inherent in the Law test. 3 denied a Canada Pension Plan survivor’s The project involves NLC monthly Legal Review benefit because she was under age 35. The study groups and two community-based 3 Supreme Court used the case as an opportu- meetings to be carried out over the next In Memoriam nity to synthesize and consolidate its Charter year. The first community meeting will focus 4-5 section 15 equality analysis set out in previ- on analysing and critiquing questions of LEAF across the Land ous cases, and laid down a new set of “guide- legal principle and legal theory that underlie 6 lines” to be followed in subsequent cases. the problems with the Law test, as well as In Conversation with These “guidelines” have become a test developing feminist legal theory to work Volunteer Betty Hopkins by which all equality cases are analysed, by our way through these problems. The meet- 6 parties and judges alike. The results for ing will involve a group of practitioners and Spotlight on Supporter women’s equality claims under this test have academics. The second meeting will focus Audrey Pickard been disappointing. LEAF’s National Legal on how to take a new or substantially 7-8-9 Committee (NLC) has therefore embarked revised approach forward in the courts in A Special Thanks on a project aimed at getting section 15 continued on page 9 to Donors 10 LEAF Receives Vote of Stellar Guest List Lights up the Confidence Night for Equality and LEAF

n a balmy, April 15th evening, on LEAF and equal- the 40th floor of the Royal Bank ity. Jan Roos, the O South Tower in , sixty Founder of See LEAFriends assembled for the third annual You in Athens, RBC Equality Day Celebration, hosted by spoke of the need Charlie Coffey, Executive Vice President, for support for Recognizing RBC Financial Group. women in sport; Over cocktails, the guests were wel- Marilou the collective comed by Irene Bailey, and watched as two McPhedran, dedicated LEAF supporters, Joan newly returned Westcott and Connie Deckert of Waterloo, from a meeting Penny Collenette goodwill that presented a cheque for $2,650 from their with women in the Bahamas, spoke of shar- Persons Day Breakfast to Fundraising ing our Canadian experience in the struggle inspires our Committee Chair Joanne McLean. for constitutional equality; Carolyn Horkins As dinner was served, Charlie called told us about forming a women’s initiative work! upon several of the guests to say a few support group for lawyers; Ruth Berger, impromptu words about the importance of continued on page 9 Message from the Chair

his past 2002-03 year has Women’s Future, Equality Rights in the New Millennium. been a challenging one for Congratulations to all those LEAF Branches who hosted T LEAF, with many high successful Persons Day and Equality Breakfasts across the points. In the first days of our new country, several of which sold out! And thank you to our 2003-04 fiscal year, we devoted pos- donors who continue to believe in our cause. itive energy to preparing LEAF’s At the core of our success are the countless hours devot- internal strategy and structure to ed by our volunteers — legal, education, and fundraising — meet future needs. LEAF leaders at the national level, in our Branches, and within the LEAF Colleen Cattell, LEAF National Board Chair gathered on April 4, 5 and 6 in Foundation. Here’s a heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicat- strategic sessions to rethink our ed volunteers and to our committed staff: Legal Assistant role in the feminist community and resolve persistent orga- nizational issues so that we continue to carry on LEAF’s work in a thriving and productive way. Part of this strategic process was a review of our achievements, of which there are many. A legal review of two of LEAF’s current cases is outlined in this issue and despite our many successes overall, there is still much to be done. We must be vigilant to protect the gains we have made. We need to continue reminding the courts to engage in an equality analysis, and the courts are still very capable of getting that analysis wrong. In LEAF’s role internationally, we were pleased to host a delegation of equality seeking women from Malaysia for a week in September. During their visit, they were able to truly see LEAF in action when they attended the Miller case hearing. Marilou McPhedran, LEAF’s former Chair, Delegates interested in developing a court challenges program in attended a session of the United Nations in January, along Malaysia visit with LEAF members and staff. (back row, l to r:) LEAF with other Canadian women’s NGO’s, to present Canada’s founding member Beth Symes and Women’s Crisis Centre (WCC) pres- progress on equality issues. International law will likely ident Zarizana Abdul Aziz of Penang, Malaysia. (front row, l to r:) LEAF staff lawyer Marina Browning, lawyer and human rights activist play an increasingly important role in the equality rights Salbiah Ahmad of Penang, lawyer and WCC associate Honey Tan of arguments put forward in this country. Penang, LEAF founding members Mary Eberts and Nancy Ruth.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS Marian Ali (who has been with us for eight years), hard With the generous support of Status of Women Canada working staff lawyer Marina Browning, and Renata (SWC), we launched our new and much improved Web site Hervey, who we were delighted to bring on board in the fall in September 2002. SWC funding also enabled us to con- as Director of Fundraising. Together, our volunteers and tinue developing our No Means No education program, supporters are the engine of LEAF and a source of its con- now being delivered in several Toronto area schools. Both tinued inspiration. the Branch that launched its program in November and West Coast LEAF are actively expanding their pro- grams in the schools. West Coast LEAF has also launched a series of community workshops based on the guidebook Colleen Cattell developed from their 1999 conference, Transforming LEAF National Board Chair

LEAF SWEEPS WINNER! Rose Rose was the lucky recipient of this year’s sweepstakes draw on November 28, 2002. Rose and her family or friends will enjoy a week-long stay in a Spanish villa in historic San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico’s charming colonial heartland. Congratulations Rose! We look forward to hearing all about your trip! LEAF thanks Joan Zarry for the use of her private villa.

2 LEGAL REVIEW Social and Economic Rights: The Struggle for Substantive Equality Continues

EAF focused on several cases this past year that women and single mothers by linking their eligibility for examined the gender-specific effects of legislative benefits to their relationships with men. L regimes that have a differential and discriminatory The Ontario Court of Appeal agreed with LEAF and impact on the social and economic circumstances of women found that the “spouse in the house rule” discriminated on across Canada. Here is a summary of two of these cases. the basis of sex and marital status because it overwhelm- In The Attorney General of Canada v. Lesiuk, the ingly affected women and because it reinforced the stereo- Federal Court of Appeal considered whether certain pro- type that women’s intimate relationships have an econom- visions of the Employment Insurance Act, which deny ben- ic subtext and that women must be financially dependent efits to persons who do not meet the Act’s minimum hour on men with whom they live. requirements, violate section 15 of the Charter. These pro- visions effectively eliminated benefits for part-time, prima- rily female workers, often mothers with competing child care responsibilities. LEAF argued that the eligibility criteria were formulat- ed and applied without regard to women’s needs and cir- cumstances, and were based upon male characteristics of Panel at Civil Legal Aid Conference including LEAF Director of employment. The Court rejected LEAF’s argument that Litigation Sondra Gibbons (centre). the eligibility criteria were inherently gendered and, thus, fundamentally flawed. In doing so, the Court made the The Court also made the novel ruling that “receipt of requirements of proving adverse-effects discrimination so social assistance” is an analogous ground under section 15 exacting that LEAF believes it will be virtually impossible of the Charter and that the definition also discriminated on for future claimants to meet them. this basis. Ms. Lesiuk has applied for leave to appeal this decision The government sought leave to appeal the case to the to the Supreme Court of Canada. If the application is Supreme Court of Canada and leave was granted on March granted, LEAF intends to seek leave to intervene and to 20, 2003. argue, among other things, that the Court disregarded LEAF hopes to be able to intervene in the final hearing ample contextual evidence of the historic, discriminatory of this important case. treatment of women within the employment insurance regime. In addition, LEAF will argue that the Court erred by interpreting too narrowly the test for discrimination set In Memoriam out in the Law case. Starr Solomon, esteemed journalist and public-relations guru died LEAF believes that just because all women are not in Toronto, January 3, 2003. Starr was a founding member of LEAF adversely affected by a legislative regime does not mean a Ottawa and she gave generously of her knowledge and know- claim of discrimination is invalid. Discrimination against how throughout the years. some women is still discrimination against women. Bonnie Theemes died March 12, 2003 of liver cancer. Bonnie was In Falkiner v. Ontario, LEAF sought to challenge the an enthusiastic supporter of LEAF, joining as a fundraising volun- definition of “spouse” under social assistance regulations. teer for the Roadshow at the Orpheum with Gloria Steinem in 1989, later becoming Executive Director of West Coast LEAF from To determine eligibility for benefits, the “spouse in the the early 1990’s through 1999. house rule” deemed that a person who cohabits with some- one of the opposite sex is that person’s spouse and is pre- On April 26, 2003, Canada lost a tireless champion of justice in sumed to have access to their income. Rosemary Brown. Rosemary was a humanitarian with wit who pushed boundaries, challenged the status quo, and desired to Following a 1986 LEAF challenge, the definition of make equality a reality for every human being. She said, “We spouse was amended to comply with the Charter, but in must open doors and we must see to it they remain open, so that 1995, a new government reintroduced the “spouse in the others can pass through.” “Unless all of us are free, none of us house rule”. As a direct result, 10,000 people were cut off will be free.” assistance: 90% were women; 76% were single mothers. We miss you all. LEAF argued that the rule discriminated against

3 LEAF Across the Land

his past year, LEAF Branches grew their influence by Afghanistan during and after the Taliban regime. An increasing overall attendance at Persons Day and appreciative audience was riveted by the words of this T Equality Day celebrations, educating more youth social activist and past LEAF Foundation Board member. about human rights, and fundraising in creative new ways — Ritu Khullar also presented an important update for atten- all to support LEAF’s important legal work and law reform dees on recent LEAF court cases. protecting equality for women and girls.

West Coast LEAF Education: Organizers of No Means No saw increased demand for the education program from schools across the province. Senior student facilitators delivered 102 workshop hours to 480 students at seven mid- dle schools. Since implementing the program in November 2001, over 100 peer facilitators have been trained and 1,230 students have participated in workshops with an anti-vio- lence and equality rights message. The Branch also piloted a unique and popular workshop series and mini course for individuals and community organizations in which partici- pants learn about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, how it affects their lives and how to use the legal systems and tools. To date, about 50 community groups have participated. Law Reform: Most notably, the regional (l to r:) Director of Fundraising Renata Hervey, Fundraising Committee Chair Joanne McLean, and Event Chair Irene Bailey at office legal team has been active on issues concerning the RBC Equality Day Celebration held in Toronto, April 15, 2003. changes to the B.C. Human Rights Code, cuts to legal aid, and new restrictions to welfare and the implications of all LEAF Regina has been working with the Saskatchewan these issues for women. Action Committee (SAC) on its Access to Justice for Equality Breakfasts: Volunteer committees organized suc- Women project. SAC is exploring the possibility of women’s cessful Equality Breakfasts in Vancouver, Victoria and legal clinics in the province. LEAF Regina has tried to build Nanaimo, with attendance of 550, 150 and 120 people a working relationship with SAC and this project provides respectively. A smaller luncheon event was also held in an opportunity for the Branch to add its momentum as SAC Chilliwack in celebration of Persons Day. lobbies the provincial government. LEAF Regina is plan- ning a Persons Day Breakfast for October 17, 2003. The guest speaker will be Dr. Elizabeth Abbott, Dean of Women at Trinity College, University of Toronto.

LEAF Saskatoon’s well-attended Persons Day Breakfast featured a presentation by Yvonne Peters, who was fresh from receiving the 2002 Bertha Wilson Touchstone Award from the Canadian Bar Association. Yvonne’s talk, “Equality in Canada: Is it Working?” described several of the achievements by LEAF in equality jurisprudence while also identifying the challenges for the future. Yvonne received a standing ovation from an approving audience.

– Guest speaker Kim Pate, Executive Persons Day Breakfast in Winnipeg, November 2002. LEAF Manitoba Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry LEAF Edmonton’s Persons Day Breakfast was even more Societies inspired and challenged Winnipeg’s 800 attendees successful than last year’s with an audience of 297 gathering at this year’s Persons Day Breakfast with her focus on to hear reporter, writer and documentary filmmaker Sally “criminalized” women and girls, their need for fairness and Armstrong. Sally offered a unique view from the inside, as justice, and for an opportunity to be contributing members she related her experiences visiting with the women of of communities. Kim’s knowledge and passion for equality

4 and justice left a lasting impression on all who came out to dent audience about LEAF’s recent legal cases and achieve- support equality and LEAF. ments and discussing the challenges for the future. Education: “Equality and the Freedom to Be Yourself” was the theme for the daylong Youth Forum of workshops LEAF Toronto – At a well-attended Persons Day Breakfast attended by students from 17 schools. Their comments best of 1,000 participants, Torontonians were treated to a summarize the event: “I really enjoyed hearing from other keynote speech about women in a changing world by teenagers about their struggles and how they overcame esteemed scholar, business director and author Jill Ker them.” “I’ve never been to anything like this before, and I Conway. Singer Mary Lou Fallis also entertained an atten- would really like to attend one again.” “Thanks to the tive audience and founding LEAF member Beth Symes women who made me a person and a woman with rights.” spoke eloquently of the connection between LEAF and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This year’s LEAF Kitchener-Waterloo – LEAF organizers managed Persons Day Breakfast will be held October 17 and will fea- an even more successful Persons Day Breakfast this year ture author, professor and lawyer Patricia Monture-Angus. with 230 people attending the event including federal, provincial and municipal politicians. The Breakfast was LEAF Ottawa – Congratulations Ottawa, on your growth hosted by the Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. The from five to 100 members in just over one year! Education: event received extensive media coverage including a radio Thirty trained volunteers delivered 33 No Means No ses- interview prior to the date, three aired TV broadcasts on sions in four area schools to 1,000 energetic and involved the day of the event, and print articles with photos in the grade 7 and 8 students. Each participant received a copy of local newspaper before and after the event. LEAF found- the Charter and sported a LEAF tattoo. Volunteers were ing member Nancy Ruth provided the passion with her identifiable in their LEAF t-shirts. A winning t-shirt design keynote speech. will be featured on next year’s shirt, to be sold as part of a community fundraising campaign. Plans are afoot for an LEAF Sudbury – Each April, for the past two years, Equality Day Celebration in March 2004. Celebrate Women has been a unique Sudbury networking event in which LEAF Sudbury members have collaborated with Sudbury YWCA and the Sudbury chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women to feature a female author discussing her experiences. This year, author Laura Robinson spoke about her experiences as a national level athlete. LEAF Sudbury’s 13th Annual Persons Day Breakfast this year was addressed by Ann Dowsett Johnston of MacLean’s magazine, who spoke to 400 event participants. Joining her on the podium was founding LEAF member, Nancy Ruth who reminded rapt audience members of the importance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for all . Later, Ann met with the three female pres- (l to r:) LEAF Sudbury Past Chair Lucie Cousineau, LEAF founding member Nancy Ruth, Irene Blais, and keynote speaker Ann Dowsett idents of Sudbury’s three post-secondary educational institu- Johnston. tions and in doing so, raised a further donation for LEAF. LEAF New Brunswick – Hosted by the Canadian LEAF Owen Sound – “Persons Day in Owen Sound was Federation of University Women/Kent, this year’s success- memorable,” said Nancy Ruth. “Seeing women and men ful Persons Day Breakfast was supported by participants committed to equality, committed to learning results of from Bouctouche, Rexton, Richibucto and St. Louis de cases, committed to being part of our national organization Kent as well as Bonar Law Memorial School students. — what a joy!” Among the guests attracted to the event was Guest speaker Kathy Champoux spoke of her career in the a former member of LEAF’s Legal Committee, teachers, RCMP, much to the delight of the university and invited and a past president of the Federation of Women Teachers high school students in attendance. An informative and Associations of Ontario which gave LEAF it’s start. interesting discussion period followed and audience mem- bers were visibly appreciative. LEAF Kingston – A successful Equality Day Breakfast was Thanks to all of our volunteers — lawyers and legal held at Queen’s University in celebration of International teams, directors, event organizers and speakers, workshop Women’s Day and LEAF’s Director of Litigation Sondra facilitators, trainers, and office staff for making this year Gibbons presented the keynote speech, updating the stu- a huge success!

5 In Conversation with Volunteer Betty Hopkins

volunteer most of her life, Betty has employed in social work, I met women in worked with men, women and chil- extreme positions of vulnerability who Adren and her considerable contribu- overcame tremendous odds. I learned how tions have touched every level of society — systems could fail people. That’s why I from the most powerful to our most vulnera- made the choice to leave paid employment ble. Betty’s history of volunteerism gives her to work full time on a volunteer basis in the an extraordinary perspective on a broad spec- areas of policy and social change.” trum of issues. Betty’s fine-tuned mind and long-stand- Q LEAF: Betty, your exposure as a career vol- ing commitment to people and social issues unteer to such a wide cross-section of our make her an invaluable team member at society gives you an exceptional vantage LEAF. Betty first participated in the point. The valuable knowledge you bring to Winnipeg “Branching Out” campaign — a LEAF is nothing short of astounding. In your fundraising group that mounted the first work with women for instance, you have held roles that Persons Day Breakfast in the city in 1991, attracting 270 related to women and prison, women and prostitution, people. As Chair of the Board for LEAF’s Manitoba women and social assistance, women and tenants’ rights, Branch, Betty has been actively involved in the success women and childcare, and women and justice. If you could of the Winnipeg Persons Day Breakfasts ever since, send just one message to our politicians today about with the most recent event in October 2002 attracting women, what would it be? 800 LEAF supporters. Betty’s positive impact has been A BH: “I would emphasize the strength, unique experi- felt in many parts of LEAF and in past she has been a ences, and wisdom women can bring to important issues member of both the LEAF Manitoba Board and the facing all of us today — issues of peace, justice and LEAF National Board. equality in Canada and around the world. When I was Thank you, Betty, for all that you do!

Spotlight on Supporter Audrey Pickard

udrey Pickard has a philosophy ious Persons Day Breakfasts. Audrey about life: “If you educate and help believes that LEAF has been academically Aa woman, you educate and help a sound in its pursuit, preparation and community.” Audrey brought early convic- defense of women’s rights and that the tion to her belief when she put herself organization has been very good at arous- through university and obtained her ing interest among women with a view to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. helping other women. When asked about During her career, Audrey taught Nursing the challenges ahead for LEAF, Audrey in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. replied, “We need to be on guard to protect The retired superwoman has also raised the rights of women and continue to be dili- two daughters. Barbara is a teacher like gent in our search for knowledge and truth.” her mother and Beverly enjoys a career in Thank you, Audrey, for your past and con- the mining industry in environment/occu- tinued support of LEAF! pational health. A long-time supporter of LEAF, Audrey has introduced both younger and mature women to our organization by inviting them to attend the RBC Equality Day Celebration in Toronto and var-

6 A Special Thanks to our Donors

EAF wishes to acknowledge the many donors who gave generously in 2002. Because of you, LEAF has been actively working to advance the equality of women and girls in Canada through litigation, law reform and public L education. Your continued support has allowed LEAF to intervene in precedent-setting cases for the benefit of all Canadian society. We offer you our special thanks.

DONORS $1000+ Jackie Bennett Dayna Beth Daniels Judith Hammill M.E. Atcheson and David Merner Jill Bennett Valerie Danielson Vickie Hansen-Richardson Dianne Beaven Graeme and Elizabeth Bieman Mary Margaret Dauphinee Elaine Harris Catherine and Ian Delaney Beth Bilson Dorothy and Edgar Davidson Ruth Hartman Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Marian Binkley Connie Deckert Dorothy Hartsell Ontario Viola Birss Anne Marie DeLorey Cheryl Hass Fern Hill School Florence Bishop Veronica Delorme Linda Hatch Gail Asper Family Foundation Inc. William Black Mary Dingee Jacobs E. Clair Hawes Jane Glassco Judith Blackman Ellen Dixon Nancy Hawkins Lynda Hamilton Rose Blackmore David Dodds Ann Haydock Katherine Heinrich and Brian Anspach Ron and Laurie Blainey Gail Dodokin Thea Herman Mary Lue and Jim Hinds Sara Blake Catherine Doherty Renata and Jason Hervey Valerie Hussey Carol Blyth Daphne Dolan Mary M. Higginson IBM Employees’ Charitable Fund Christel Bodenstein Lynne Dominico Lisa Higham and Alan Covington Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation Joanna Boehnert Constance Donovan Lynn Hitsman Nancy MacKellar Joyce Booth Lynda Dowdle Carolyn Hnatiuk Margaret McCain Barbara Borylo-Gourdie Deborah Drapeau Karen Hobbs Nancy’s Very Own Foundation Margaret and Greer Boyce Marya Duckworth Joan Hodgson Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt Bracebridge Business & Professional Audrey and James Duff Janis Hoogstraten Professional Employees Association Isabelle Bradbury Anne Duncan Valerie Hooper Dagmar Rinne Johanna Braden Elizabeth Dunn Patricia Horne Beth Symes Meriel Bradford Lynn Eakin Carole Houlihan Donald Williams Sharon and James Bradley Rosemary and Chris Edgecombe Angela How M. Phyllis Bray Helga Egan and G. Baldackin Glenna Howard DONORS $500 - $999 Heather Brenneman Kathleen Elgie Helen Hoy and Thomas King Colleen Albiston Emelia and N.W. Broten Julie Elizabeth Judith Huddart All Charities Campaign Janet and Larry Brown Sarita Elman Merle Hudson Irene Bailey Lois Brown Marny Emmerson Linda Huebscher Wanda Bailey Sheila Brown Emond Montgomery Publications E.N. Hughes Nick Busing Patricia Bruckmann Limited Shirley Hutchinson Colleen Cattell and Andrew Atkins Barbara Bruser ETFO - Waterloo Region Teachers’ Local Ruth Ann Irving Jane Davidson Rose Marie Buckna Anne Etsell Edward J.R. Jackman Marie Dunseith Nancy and Kenneth Buhr Fay Faraday Patricia Jackson Anne Fawcett Rebecca Burke Karen Farkas Constance Jain Heather Ferguson Colleen Burns and Chris Whynot Barbara Farrell Clark and Joan Jamieson James Hinds and Susan Weedon Hugh Burtch Joan Farrell Theadora Jensen Mavis James Danielle Bush Fergus Elora Rotary Club Foundation Heather Johnson Janice Kostash Dawn and Errol Butler Jessie Ferrier Susan Joiner and William Gilsdorf Janet and Douglas Lacy D. Button Elaine Filax and R. Norris-Jones Constance Jones Joy Leach Sandra Campbell Helen Findlay Dina Juras Nancy Lee Susan Campbell Judith Finlayson Levonah Kalant Joanna MacKinnon Canadian Federation of University Katie Fitzrandolph Elizabeth and Bruce Kappel Patrick Mahoney Women/Kent David and Catherine Fleet Judith Katz Audrey Pickard Miriam Caplan Barbara Fletcher Dixie Kee Elinor Powell Eloise Crabtree Carmichael Margaret Flett Susan Keeley Tannis and George Richardson Brenda Carrigan Louise Forsyth O. Kempo James Riley Barb Carson Charles Foster Nancy and Stephen Kendall Rubicon Publishing Inc. Catherine Carson Sherry Fotheringham Sylvia Kennedy Elizabeth Shilton Lorie Carson Laurie Fraser Janet Kiff The Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton Anne Carswell Sara Frisch Gregory King William and Susan Van Iterson Mary Carter Elizabeth Fullard Lorna and Walter Klassen Patricia Cawley Sandra Gaskell Susanna Klassen DONORS $100 - $499 Francine Chad Smith David Gauley Holly Ann Knott and James Spinney 42nd Street Consulting Shirley Chase Joan Geramita Eva Kralits Barbara Aberman Susan Clark Carole Gerson Olga Kuplowska Mona Acker Joyce Clarke Dale Gibson and S. Anderson Donna Kydd Harry and Marian Ade Susan Clifton Rachna Gilmore Marie Laing S. June Agnew Margaret Cockshutt Susan Gingell and William Robertson Joan Laird Margaret Almack and Paul Rothfels Elizabeth and Thomas Cohen Howard Goldblatt Richard and Frances Lake Donald Altman Marsha Cohen Eileen Goltz Lucie Laliberte Susan Amrud Joan Colborne Patricia and Hugh Gordon Zahava Lambert A. Francoise and John Arbuckle Penny and David Collenette Barbara Gory Joan Lampel Noella Armstrong Ken Collier Susan Gottheil Paula LaPierre Pat and Hugh Armstrong Ellen Conway Shirley Goundrey Yol Lapointe Jane Aronson Janet Cook Elizabeth Graham Sheila Larmer Denise Arsenault Debby Copes Dorothy Grantmyre Diane Lawler Monica and David Ashwell Lise Corbeil Barrie Gray Judith Lawrence Joan Cornfield Lucy Greene Robin and Shirley Le Brasseur Christopher and Mary Bailey Roy and Jean Cottier Mary Greey Carolyn Lehmann Mary and Andrew Baracos Susan Coulter Deborah Grisdale Mariam Leigh Thomas Barnett Kathleen Courey Barbara Grove Linda Leonard Melita Bartel Norman Cowan Helen Gurney Helen Levine B. Norman Barwin Allison Craig Balfour Halevy Mary Lou Levisky Mairy Beam Rochelle and Tom Craig Elizabeth Hall-Findlay Marilyn Lightstone Barbara Beaton Marion Crane Sara Hamill Marian Lips Monique Begin Dallas Mary Cullen Cheryl Hamilton Maureen Lofthouse Leslie Belloc-Pinder Anne Innis Dagg Jane Hamilton Ruby Loo Anne Bennett and Mike Parker Doris Dallaire Kathleen Hamilton Stefany Lornce

Thank7 You! William and Carol Louden Vivienne Poy The Bishop Strachan School Fasken Martineau DuMoulin (2 Tables) Carol E. Loughrey Margaret Prang The Sisters of Saint Ann Fern Hill School Linda Louise Holly Price Diane Thiel Genest Murray Ingrid Ludchen Jerilynn Prior Jeannie Thomas Goodmans LLP Sheila Lynette Dorothy Quiggin Gail and Frank Thompson Heenan Blaikie LLP Mary and David Macaree Elaine and Harry Rakowski Karen Thompson and Harvey Aitchison Hicks Morley Gayle MacDonald Helen Raycheba Pamela Thomson The Honourable Margaret Norrie Judy MacDonald and Paul Quinton Arvilla Read Toronto District School Board McCain Stanley Macdonald Denise Reaume Elmer and Audrey Tory Irene Bailey Financial Planning Agency Mary MacEachern Anne Redish Ronald Trojcak Ketchum Public Relations Mary MacKay Anna Rees Deborah Trouten Koskie Minsky Denyse Mackey Lois Reimer Penelope Tyndale The Law Society of Upper Canada Shirley Macklin Eva Reti United Way of Nanaimo & District McCarthy Tétrault Carol MacLeod George Richards Myra Valgardson McMillan Binch LLP Ross Macnab and Janet McMurtry Beverley and Robert Richardson Valley East Lions Club Miller Thomson LLP Jay Macpherson Mary Richardson Margaret Van de Pitte Nike Canada Ltd. Mary Ella Magill Barbara Richter Nancy Vander Plaats Ontario Liberal Caucus Reva Leah Malkin Allison Roach Noreen Vanebo Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Cheryl Malmo Geoffrey and Margaret Robbins Caroline Vanneste Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP Peggy Malpass Roberta McMullan Darlene Varaleau RBC Financial Group Tracy Marchant Phyllis Robinson Talin Vartanian Robert Rose Inc. Dalia Margalit-Faircloth Diane Roblin-Finlayson L. Joy Viberg Sack Goldblatt Mitchell Maritime Electric Garson and Sheila Romalis Pixie I. and William P. Vradenburg Sherritt International Corporation Joanne Martin Marjorie Ross Jennifer Waelti-Walters Starbucks Coffee Canada Evelyn Matheson Gail Rudderham-Chernin Lorna Waghorn-Kidd and Robert TD Bank Financial Group Carol Z.B. McArton Beth and Frank Rutledge Waghorn Toronto Hydro Corporation Margaret McCallum Michael Ruxton Elaine Waisglass and Michael Hirsh The Toronto Star Jean and R. Howard McCormick Susan Rvachew and Ken Bott Carol and Gerry Wall Torys LLP Heather McDonald Georgina Sabiston Sheila Wallace University of Toronto, Faculty of Law Nancy and John McFadyen J. Rosemary Salgo Brenda Walsh YWCA of Greater Toronto M. Philip McGettigan Kathleen Salmond Douglas Ward Margaret McGovern Hillary Salter Nicholas Wardropper IN KIND Maurice McGregor Margaret Sanborn Karolyn Waterson PageWave Graphics Inc. Elizabeth McIntyre Sandra Savage Barbara Watson Yvonne Tennebroek Ruth and Robert McLean Janet Savard Diana Weatherall Johan McMillan-Steele Jeannelle Savona Melvin and Patricia Webber Barbara McPhail and Richard Unterman Harvey and Seonida Schachter Judith Weinroth LEAF SUDBURY Marilou McPhedran Rosemary Schubert Judy Werier and Leon Fainstein Sherrill and Donald Meeks Karen Schucher Elizabeth Weston MAJOR SPONSORS Marsha Melnik Emily Schurman Alisa Weyman Laura Mestelman Edward Scott Gaile Whelan-Enns Diane Metcalf-King Jennifer Scott Barbara White and John Carlin Kathryn Mifflin Susan Scott Carol White Margot Miles Brian Scully Heather Whiteford Robert Miller and Cheri Bethune J. Sellers Marilyn Fardig Whiteley Mary Milne Valerie and William Sharpe Cindy Wilkey Pamela Milne and J. Edward Crowley Lisa Sheinin Karen Willis and F. Duerden Miller, Maki Barristers and Solisitors Penelope Milton Wendy and Steven Shelley Patricia Wilson P. Mitchell Susan Sherwin Roy and Lois Wilson SPONSORS Susan Mody Shirley and Melvin Shipman Vilborg and Kenneth Wilson Anonymous Elizabeth Mogan Kay Sigurjonsson Joan Winchell Apollo Restaurant Micheline Morden Sharon Silver Tony Wohlfarth Appraisals North Realty Inc. Cathy Morris Linda Silver Dranoff Frances Wolver The Audio Clinic Valinda Morris Diane Simard and Dave Broadfoot Helen Woolner Barr Plastic Surgery Centre Isabelle Morrison Lucette and Nicholas Simpson William Woolverton Cambrian College of Applied Arts & Judith Morton Margaret Simpson Judith Wouk Technology Mildred Morton Kandy Simpson-Ziedenberg Arlene Wright Canadian Federation of University Enid Moscovitch and Howard Kaplan George R. and Patricia Sinclair Louise Yolles Women Roger Moses Paula Sisson E. Penny and Murray Young Castellan Luciw James Architects Inc. Adelaide Murray Linda and Alan Slavin Wendy Yule Maija Ceming Kirsteen Murray Constance Smith Sandra Zagon Classy Lady Women’s Fashions Ann Naylor J.A. Kathleen Smith Isik Urla and Mehmet Zeytinoglu J. Anne Cole Deborah Near Joan Smith Carly Ziniuk Collège Boréal Mary Newel Margaret Smith Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent Collins Barrow - Maheu Noiseux LLP, Lynda Newmarch Marta Smith Chartered Accountants Evie Newton Muriel and Murray Smith EVENT SPONSORS www.coolwomen.ca Marjorie Nichol and Michael Eisen Pamela Smith Cressey-Forsyth Consulting: Joyce Noseworthy Rose Smith LEAF TORONTO Organizational Change Management Patricia O’Malley Hana Soukup Razga Danier Leather Robin Orr Carol Speers PATRONS www.dibrina.com Maureen and John Orton Marion Stacey Domtar Inc. - Espanola Mill Barbara Palmer Rebecca Staton Elizabeth Fry Society - Sudbury Branch Pat Pape Ruth Stedman Jerome C. Gardner, Barrister & Solicitor Prabha Parekh Joseph and Elaine Steiner Gatien Braithwaite, Human Resources Diane Pask Elizabeth A. Stewart Law for Employers Ruth Pearce Marcia Stewart Gougeon Insurance Deirdre Pearson Virginia Stikeman Grand Nightclub Caroline and Frank Peppiatt Mary Lou Stirling Greater Sudbury Public Library - Patricia Peppin Veronica Strong-Boag and Douglas Ross Bibliothèque publique du Grand Sudbury Kato Perdue Lynne Sullivan The Greek Community of Sudbury Wendy and Gordon Peters Veronique Susset SPONSORS Helvi’s Flower House Ltd. C. Peterson Rosanne Sutton Appleby College Hinds & Sinclair Allen Philbrick Maja Svensson Atchison & Denman Court Reporting www.hollywoodshoppeltd.com Judith Phillips Nancy Swainson Bell Globemedia Inco Limited Sherry Phillips Margaret Swan The Body Shop KPMG, LLP - Chartered Accountants E. Holly Pike Linda Sweet Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre & Aino Laamanen M. Bluebell Planck Margaret Swytink Cornish Floyd & Jeannette Laughren Irene Plett Symes & Street Barristers and Solicitors CAW - Canada Laurentian University/Université Denny Pollock Andra Takacs Colgate Palmolive Canada Inc. Laurentienne Margaret and Grant Pomeroy Takao Tanabe Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Laurentian University Alumni Penny and Edward Pomeroy Carolyn Taylor Devlin Association Aileen Potts M. Jane Taylor The Dominion of Canada General Lewis Cleaners Dawn and J.H. Potts Helen Tetley Insurance Company Lougheed Family & Staff Margaret Powell Phyllis Thatcher Eberts Symes Street & Corbett Law Office of Michelle Mailloux Thank8 You! Martin’s Canada Brokerlink LEAF SASKATOON Myers Weinberg Park Pontiac, Buick GMC Ltd. Mary Marg Shoppe Halyk Kennedy Knox Pitblado Rice Financial Hugh McMullan - BMO Nesbitt Burns University of Saskatchewan Tapper Cuddy Shirley Chase Betty Meakes Woloshyn & Company Taylor McCaffrey Susan Scott Molson Canada The Great-West Life Assurance Dr. Chris Nash, Psychologist Company IN KIND SUPPORT Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger LEAF WINNIPEG The Manitoba Teachers’ Society Beyond Flowers Architects/Architectes The University of Manitoba Community and Youth Solutions Heather Nicholson LEAF PATRON Thompson Dorfman Sweatman Crocus Investment Fund Northern Regional Recovery Continuum Frontier Subaru U.N. Platform for Action Committee MB Esdale Printing Northern Uniform Service University of Winnipeg Gunn’s Bakery Orendorff Vrbanac Law Office LEAF HOST Winnipeg Free Press International Institute for Sustainable Compliments of Palladino Honda Aikins, MacAulay and Thorvaldson Development Paris Hair Spa Anita Neville, M.P. Winnipeg South - LEAF FRIEND Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council Pat & Mario’s Restaurant Centre Ben Moss Jewellers McNally Robinson Pita Pit Canad Inns Berenice Sisler Mona Lisa Florist Regional Business Centre Central Canadian Structures LTD. Pepsi Bottling Group Sostarich, Ross, Wright & Cecutti, LLP - Community and Youth Solutions LEAF SUPPORTER Perkins Chartered Accountants Hill Abra Dewar Edward Carriere Provence Bistro at Niakwa Status of Women/Statut de la Femme- International Institute for Sustainable Gail Asper Family Foundation Royal Winnipeg Ballet ThankLaurentian University/Université Development Gange GoodmanY and French ou!Safeway Laurentienne Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Keystone Ford Sales Ltd. Sun-Myo Clinic Students’ General Association, Affairs KPMG LLP The Sheraton Hotel Laurentian University Manitoba Energy, Science and The Law Society of Manitoba Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers Sudbury Fine Cars Technology Marjorie Blankstein Winnipeg Free Press Sudbury Paint & Custom Framing Manitoba Government & General Merck Frosst Yellow River Chinese Association Sudbury Physio Centre Employees Union Sudbury YWCA Manitoba Industry, Trade and Mines Try as we might to ensure that we correctly identify all our donors, an occasion- Thorneloe University Women’s Studies Manitoba Justice Travelway Inn Manitoba Liberal Party al oversight can occur. Please bring any error or omission to our attention and Christine Tworo, FCA Manitoba Lotteries Corporation accept our profound apologies. Call us in Toronto at (416) 595-7170 or toll-free Manitoba Public Insurance at 1-888-824-LEAF (5323) or e-mail us at [email protected]. Thank you! Margaret Laurence Advisory Panel

Law Project continued from page 1 philosophers and policymakers who define inequality as future litigation. This meeting will involve a broad range of social exclusion and an absence of the capacity to realize equality seeking groups. full human potential. These ideas and others may be To date, the monthly study groups have discussed sev- infused into equality jurisprudence, through the participa- eral problems with the Law test: tion of organizations such as LEAF. Such an infusion of • the concept of “human dignity” which is at the heart of ideals is the historical strength of LEAF. The Law project the test is too individualistic, too vague and too subjec- takes this strength into the future. LEAF hopes that this tive to provide a touchstone for the achievement of sub- study will inform not only its own litigation in support of stantive equality; women’s equality, but the work of other equality seeking • the dignity concept allows the court to focus on the groups as well, so that all women may be better able to real- “choice” of the equality claimant without recognizing ize the full promise of the section 15 equality guarantee. the real life circumstances which make “choice” illusory We would like to express our special thanks to the LEAF for many women; Foundation for funding this groundbreaking project. • the focus on “personal characteristics” as “grounds of discrimination” obscures women’s reality and hides the Stellar Guest continued from page 1 complexity of the intersecting oppressions that most from Ottawa, spoke of the importance of respectful treat- women face; ment of immigrants, and Heather MacTaggart, who works • the contextual factors identified by the court permit the in an organization called Classroom Connections, under- consideration of “relevance” and government objec- scored the connection between equality, education and tives under the equality analysis, rather than leaving peace-a very timely message. them to section 1 where they properly belong; As we made our way through the Chilean sea bass to the • consideration of the “ameliorative purposes” of an orange/apple tart, three Toronto mayoralty candidates, impugned law creates an inappropriate hierarchy of Barbara Hall, David Miller and John Tory, added their oppressions; equality stories to Charlie’s collection. • the requirement to make direct comparisons means that The pièce de résistance was our guest speaker of the only formal equality claims and not those that focus on evening, Penny Collenette, who was introduced by Patrick substantive equality issues have a chance of success. Gossage and Irene Bailey. Penny, an organizer of LEAF Ottawa and a former member of the LEAF Foundation The study groups have also begun to look at ideas that Board, is a senior fellow at the Center for Business and may assist in redirecting the court toward a substantive Government at Harvard University, and has been recog- equality approach — one that recognizes that achieving nized by Maclean’s and Chatelaine magazines as one of equality requires the government to take positive steps Canada’s 50 most influential people. She decried the lack of toward changing social conditions that stand in the way of female representatives in Canadian legislatures and the fact meaningful social participation. The NLC has looked to that there are no female premiers, and suggested that the

9 LEAF gratefully acknowledges all of the speakers and organizers, artistic auction donors and attendees who came out to support equality in Canada through this special RBC Equality Day Celebration. A special word of thanks goes to guest speaker Penny Collenette, to our hosts Charlie Coffey and RBC Financial Group, to Irene Bailey for organizing the event, to Joanne McLean for sourcing auction donations, and to LEAF staff members Marian Ali and Renata Hervey, who provided coordination and publicity. LEAF Receives Vote of Confidence from Patrons Aliant and Bell Canada Chief Communications Officer Ida Teoli of Bell Canada (3rd from left) attends the RBC Equality Day Celebration in support of LEAF. status quo is not good enough. The world needs creative thinking and transparent, cross-cultural, global governance. Last year, Aliant, a leading Canadian telecommunica- She urged women to unite worldwide, and firmly believes tions supplier in Eastern Canada threw its support that, as Canadians, we can be leaders in participatory behind LEAF by providing in-kind services to LEAF democracy and ethics in government. It was a challenging, for its significant annual telecommunications. This straight from-the-heart speech. year, Bell Canada made a generous donation of The evening came to a close with the ice wine and an $20,000 towards LEAF’s teleconferencing services for auction served up by the incomparable Don Stewart of the 2003-2004 year. Appleby College. With the purchases of “Leila, barque en Both of these Canadian corporations have been dérive”, a computer print on canvas, donated by Danielle terrific in recognizing that telecommunications servic- Richard from Silléry, Québec, an original quilted Famous es represent a key instrument of growth for LEAF, Five wall hanging, made especially for this auction by June allowing us to bring about real change in the lives of Sparling of Owen Sound, and a stunning floral oil painting women and girls in Canada. And for this, we are truly by Helen Lucas, an additional $7,000 was raised for LEAF. grateful. These donations represent one of the most Groups of energized LEAFriends reluctantly said au significant costs in our annual budget. revoir and merci to the Royal Bank for its continued com- Thank you, Aliant and Bell Canada, for your con- mitment to equality and to LEAF, and made their way back tinued leadership in support of LEAF. into the balmy April night.

LEAF National Office 415 Yonge Street, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON M5B 2E7 Call: (416) 595-7170 • Toll-free: 1-888-824-LEAF (5323) • Fax: (416) 595-7191 • E-mail: [email protected] • Visit: www.leaf.ca

10

Return postage guaranteed, if undeliverable mail to: LEAF 415 Yonge Street Suite 1800 Toronto, ON M5B 2E7