Media Release from Alice Noble, Catholic Women’s League National Secretary-Treasurer
Some 444 Catholic women and guests gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Aug. 9-14 for the 106th Annual National Convention of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Members unable to attend in person were able to participate through live-stream video.
The theme was “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission.”
The opening Eucharistic celebration was held at St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Halifax, with Archbishop Brian Joseph Dunn (Halifax-Yarmouth) as celebrant.
National CWL President Betty Colaneri and National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Gerard Bergie (Diocese of St. Catharines) welcomed members to the annual gathering.
Three guest speakers addressed convention delegates. Quebec Provincial Spiritual Advisor Dr. Cory Andrew Labrecque spoke about dignity, vulnerability and presence, emphasizing the importance of the words people choose. Bishop Alan Campeau (Diocese of Thunder Bay) reflected on the League’s fall 2025 pilgrimage to Rome, while Giancarlo Brotto, Chief Executive Officer of Pave Edu, Inc., explored artificial intelligence.
Members also participated in breakout sessions led by the national chairpersons of faith, service and social justice and their teams. Each workshop focused on one of the League’s pillars – faith, service, social justice — and provided opportunities for learning, discussion and reflection.
Meetings, ceremonies and other activities rounded out the convention program.
During the annual meeting of members, reports were presented by the national president, spiritual advisor and secretary-treasurer.
National council adopted five resolutions:
- 2026.01 – Amend Federal Plastic Regulations to Require Tethered Bottle Caps on Single-use Beverage Containers,
- 2026.02 – Apply Existing Terrorism Laws When Prosecuting Arson Attacks on Places of Worship,
- 2026.03 – Exclude Advance Requests for Medical Assistance in Dying,
- 2026.04 – Implementation of the Disability Housing Recommendations of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
- 2026.05 – The Federal Government to Implement a National Guaranteed Basic Income Framework.
The full text of the resolutions is available at www.cwl.ca/resolutions.
Members and guests also received an update on the work of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) from Honorary Life Member and WUCWO Regional Vice-President Barb Dowding, as well as a report from Sylvie Roach, President of Saint Vincent de Paul Society’s national housing committee.
The convention concluded with Mass at St. Mary Cathedral Basilica, celebrated by Archbishop Dunn.
Before the final blessing, the national officers and national spiritual advisor participated in a reaffirmation ceremony.
About The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is one of the largest organizations of women in Canada, with more than 55,000 members represented in every province and in the military. Representing a broad cross- section of Canadian society, the League has received the commendation and appreciation of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal authorities for the voluntary services ably performed by its members across the country.
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