History Supplement of the Alberta Women's Institutes

              HISTORY SUPPLEMENT OF THE ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
SPEAKERS:
MR. CAL BRANDLEY:
Legal Specialist with the Provincial Department of Agriculture
spoke on the " Legal Rights of Women". He said Alberta women are
fortunate they have many favorable legal rights by law. In some
areas they have greater help and protection than men but in other
areas they are discriminated against. It is in these areas women
should study and become involved to make the necessary changes.
This speaker was well received because of the present Women's
Institute concern re " The Matrimonial Property Law" ( particularly
with the present unfair disposal of property in cases of separation
and divorce). He also explained the differences between joint ten­ants
and tenants in common. He advised women to keep informed
about laws affecting them.
MRS. JANICE LAUMAN:
Regional Food and Nutritional Specialist with the Department
of Agriculture. In her presentation " Don't Eat Your Heart Out" she
used facts and figures from the recently conducted " Nutrition
Canada Survey". The surveys showed that Canadians as a nation
are overweight, under nourished and unfit. Pressures and stress
factors are increasing due to women becoming more involved. She
urged Nutrition and Physical Fitness Workshops at community
level. The Extension Department offered their assistance in this
worthwhile project. Her talk was of general interest since it served
as an ideal introduction for the planned study program in " Nutrition
Alberta".
Mrs. W. Sparrow, A. W. I. Girl's Club Supervisor reported
twenty- three active Clubs of girls between the ages of six and seven­teen
years who work on the five point program. Her report concluded
with a display of crafts made during the year.
The " Pennies for Friendship" march netted $ 128.00.
" DISTRICT DIRECTORS DISCOURSE":
This showed area interest in Preventative Social Services; a
Retreat for Women; the compiling of Community Histories; more
organized workshops and increased publicity of Institute achieve­ments.
One Director urged that more Institutes support an adopted
Foster Child. Another Director favored the organizing of a
Homemaker Service for the Community, e. g. Home Care in case of
illness.
STANDING COMMITEE CONVENERS:
They urged that members study the Canada Nutrition Survey;
be informed on Laws affecting Women; be aware of rules and regula­tions
re the use of insecticides, pesticides and herbicides; be more
environment conscious. One Convener suggested a study of Au-
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