“In June 2023, I was honored to be inducted as the 38th President of the NCWC during the 130th AGM, held in Saskatoon. It is a privilege to lead this organization, that has a proud history and a rich tradition of empowering all women to work together toward improving the quality of life for women, families, and society.

Our organization was founded in 1893 under the leadership of our founder and patron, Lady Aberdeen and incorporated by an act of Parliament in 1914. As a formidable organization of women, NCWC has played a significant role in many of the milestones in Canadian social history. Their call for enhanced public health measures focused on a safe water supply, that milk be pasteurized, that inner city children’s playgrounds were made safer, and for access to free libraries. They founded the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Children’s Aid Society, and the Consumers’ Association of Canada among others. Their pro-active instructional and educational approach was successful in many areas that have benefited Canadian society. Three members of the Famous Five, who went to court in 1929 to have women recognized as persons, were active in the Council of Women.

Today, it is our obligation, to continue the work of those wonderful women.

So, although our roots are deep, there are still many issues that need to be dealt with across the country. Today, our tradition of improving the future of women, children, families, and communities locally, provincially, nationally, and on the global stage, needs to continue through our advocacy actions. The work of the NCWC has been wide-ranging, and its influence widespread. We continue to promote equal opportunity, pay, rights, and benefits for women in employment, and advocate for fairness, equality, and justice for all. We have added issues like climate change, support for our aboriginal neighbours, the protection of rights in the digital world along with many others.

 The Common Theme chosen at the AGM was “Housing is a Human Right” . We are committed to both studying this issue as well as taking action to help ensure that every Canadian has the housing they need.

On our 100th anniversary, we received our Coat of Arms, and in 2005, the NCWC was recognized as a Canadian ‘Institution’ of historic significance by the Parks Canada Historic Sites and Monuments Board with a plaque installed at the Allan Gardens in Toronto, site of the NCWC’s historic founding meeting in October 1893.

Please consider joining our dynamic organization of outstanding women leaders in our mission to create a more equal, caring, and just society. For further information on membership, or other topics, I invite you to contact me via email presncwc@gmail.com. 

Working together we can do our part to ensure that our planet, and everything on it, will enjoy a peaceful, safe future.

Marianne Wilkinson

President National Council of Women of Canada