National Council of
Women of Canada
(NCWC)
An organization of women working together since 1893 advocating for the welfare of women, the family and the community, raising funds for important projects and presenting proposals for change, briefs and resolutions to local, provincial and federal governments.
Welcome Statement from the President
“Greetings to members and friends of the NCWC!”
“In June 2019, I was honored to be inducted as the 37th President of the NCWC during the 128th AGM, which was held in Winnipeg. 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 began as an NGO 130 years ago under the leadership of our founder and patron, Lady Aberdeen and incorporated by an act of Parliament. As a formidable organization of women, they played a major role in reaching many of the milestones in Canadian social history. Their call for enhanced public health measures focussed on a safe water supply, that milk be pasteurized, inner city children’s playgrounds were made safer, and there was 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.
We do, indeed, stand on the shoulders of giants!
While we are firmly rooted in the past, we are just as passionately dedicated to continuing the tradition of improving the future of women, children, families, and communities locally, provincially, nationally, and on the global stage through our advocacy in action. The work of the NCWC has been wide-ranging, and its influence widespread as we have continued to promote equal opportunity, pay, rights, and benefits for women in employment, and advocated for fairness, equality, and justice for all. 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 Allen 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.
With high hopes for a brighter future for all,
Patricia Leson, President
National Council of Women of Canada
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To empower all women to work together toward improving the quality of life for women, families, and society through a forum of member organizations and individuals
Our Vision
Improved condition of life for women, families, and communities
Our Values
Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Community, Gender Equality, Peace, Democracy
Latest News
Contact Information:
National Office:
Address: P.O. Box 67099 RPO Westboro,
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 4E4
Telephone: 613-713-4419
Email: presncwc@gmail.com
Common Program
As decided at the NCWC AGMs in 2019 and 2021, the Common Program until June, 2023 would be, "Listening to, Learning from, Acting on the Recommendations of the Commission into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls".
We were honoured to have been invited by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, to share our work, to date, on bringing the theme to life. Here is a copy of the letter that was sent to her on July 06, 2023: