AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• To develop and encourage women to pursue business, the professions and industry
• To work toward the improvement of economic, employment and social conditions for women
• To work for high standards of service in business, the professions, industry and public life
• To stimulate interest in federal, provincial and municipal affairs, and to encourage women to participate in the business of government at all levels
• To encourage and assist women and girls to acquire further education and training
• To issue a magazine or other publication
• To affiliate with other organizations to promote mutual interests of women
• To co-operate with the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW), and to implement its aims and objectives.

GOALS

• To provide opportunities for interaction between members and Clubs; to promote the policies and initiatives of the National and International Federations, the Provincial Organizations/Associations, and local Clubs; and to promote the development of new Clubs in Canada.
• While upholding the traditions of respect, support and mutual co-operation and recognizing the varied backgrounds and lifestyles of its members, to create a positive image of a strong, progressive and mutually supportive women's group by developing forward thinking policies and efficient operating procedures to provide a forum for positive action.
• To lobby for change in law and practice which will achieve economic equity and economic security for women, and to work for change in attitudes which will bring about equality of opportunity for women in education, employment and participation in public and political roles.
• To recognize and promote the varied abilities and accomplishments of its membership and to encourage the development of the career and leadership aspirations of women.

ON-GOING EFFORTS

The record of the Federation to improve the education, economic, employment and social conditions for women is well documented. The history of the CFBPWC, "With Enthusiasm and Faith," relates the decisions made and resolutions adopted at each biennial convention. The CFBPWC Index of Resolutions (available from the Club President) is a compilation of all resolutions adopted at conventions since the Federations's formation in 1930. The current copy of the CFBPWC Handbook is a summary of those resolutions that have not been accomplished and, therefore, a statement of present policy of the CFBPWC. A perusal of these references will reveal the constancy of past efforts and the challenge to achieve further improvements relative to:

• equal pay for work of equal value
• employment equity
• education and re-training opportunities
• computer literacy
• safe and healthy working conditions
• pension reform
• fair taxation laws
• unemployment benefits
• part-time employment
• child care provisions
• violence against women
• family violence
• literacy

• Equal Pay Coalition
• Canadian Day Care Advocacy Association
• Canadian National Exhibition Association
• National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC)
• National Council of Women
• United Nations Association of Canada / Canadian Commission for UNESCO
• Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
• Pay Equity Advocacy and Legal Services
• Provincial Council of Women

Over the years the Clubs in Canada have translated the Federation's objectives in terms of specific projects which they actively promote. These include:

• Appointment of women from every province to the Senate of Canada
• Appointment of qualified women to policy-making, administrative and judicial commissions and boards of government (municipal, provincial, and federal)
• Selection of women on juries, and as judges
• Enactment and implementation of federal and provincial laws such as those providing equal pay for work of equal value (pay equity) and employment equity
• Repeal of policies and laws that discriminate against women
• Elimination of unfair and unrealistic disabilities in taxation, wages, salaries, career opportunities, job levels and employment benefits (such as hospital, pension and retirement plans) which discourage women from taking employment and penalize and dishearten them when they do
• Abolition of discriminatory practices against women prisoners
• Support for the United Nations, and for its efforts to improve the status of women
• Encouragement to girls to seek higher education and "career" training (through special prizes and bursaries and co-operating with the schools in vocational counselling to acquaint girls with opportunities, particularly in the non-traditional occupations)
• Sponsorship of a Program for Young Career Women to encourage and recognize achievement and competency
• Sponsorship of public seminars on personal development topics
• Establishment of scholarships, bursaries, and other awards to assist women and girls to obtain advanced education and training
• Active support of worthwhile community projects that fall within the organization's mandate, aims, and objectives
• Efforts to alert the general public, industry and business to the latent talent in women workers

The CFBPWC is one of five other organizations that has supported the Project 5-0 Program which is coordinated by the IFBPWC. The other four members include Federation of University Women, International Council of Women, Soroptomists International, and Zonta. The CFBPWC supported the building of a nursing school in La Paz, Mexico. The benefits of this program are seen in 100 very poor villages to the north and south of La Paz. Continued financial support will provide a medical amphitheatre, library and laboratory facilities. Another international project supported by the CFBPWC is the International Fund. This fund was established to assist clubs in developing countries which may not be able to pay International dues or where legal restrictions will discourage members from partaking in meetings in other countries.