Our Events
The Ottawa Women's Canadian Club is pleased to announce our upcoming events.
Luncheons
Featuring a guest speaker at each event, OWCC luncheons are the perfect excuse to gather with friends to enjoy a 3 course lunch.
Tours
Members and guests are given the opportunity to travel within Ontario and Quebec to explore historic sites, restaurants, and shops.
New Personalized Magnetic Name Tag!
Perfect for your next luncheon, this name tag is not only stylish but practical too! Be proud to display your name and your affiliation with our organization with this easy-to-use and professional-looking magnetic name tag. Order yours today!
Upcoming Luncheons
More engaging speakers will soon be joining guests for a fabulous lunch. Get your tickets now.
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What I learned from 30 years of policing
Read morePatricia ‘Trish’ Ferguson was drawn to policing at a young age. While studying Criminology at the University of Ottawa ‘Trish’ volunteered with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and in 1995 joined the ranks. Through several years of working on patrol, recruiting, as a school resource and involvement in community policing, Trish got to see the power of relationship building and its effectiveness when working with
external partners.While engaged in many types of investigations over the years, Trish witnessed the courage and strength of survivors and the commitment of the people called to support them through their journey. This work led to committee and advocacy work for victims and survivors including OPS members following critical incidents. In 2017, Trish co-founded the Women’s Employee Resource Group and has driven several other initiatives to improve the culture and working conditions for all OPS members.
In 2018 Trish was promoted to Inspector and worked on the frontline as a Duty Inspector and Critical Incident Commander. During the Pandemic, she led the OPS’ response and in 2023 became the Deputy Chief of the Community Policing Command.
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Changing Course – Navigating Life After Politics: Panel Discussion
$ 80.00 Add to cartNancy Peckford
Moderator
Mayor of North Grenville and past Executive Director of Equal Voice,
Peckford is widely regarded as an influential national advocate for women’s political
representation. Elected in 2018 as North Grenville’s first female Mayor, she also served
as just the fourth female Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in its
175-year history. Prior to municipal office, Peckford led the groundbreaking Daughters
of the Vote initiative, which brought 338 young women to sit in the House of Commons.
Peckford was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2014, and she
is extremely proud of her current role, viewing the municipal council table as one of the
most impactful forums in Canadian democracy.Sheila Copps
Panellist
The Honourable Sheila Copps – is an outspoken Canadian feminist, who was
Canada’s first woman Deputy Prime Minister. Serving for a quarter century as an
elected politician at the provincial and national level, Copps held numerous portfolios
with responsibility for the national broadcast system, Canadian culture, parks and the
environment. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, Copps spearheaded the creation of the
UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. She is a well-known advocate for women’s
empowerment and founding member of Equal Voice, Canada’s non-partisan movement
devoted to the promotion of women’s political participation. The author of two books and
numerous journal and magazine articles, Copps owns a communications company, Hon.
Sheila Copps & Assoc. Inc.Lisa MacLeod
Panellist
Lisa MacLeod – represented Nepean as a Conservative in the Legislative Assembly of
Ontario. She was a six-term Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), where she held
multiple ministerial portfolios, leading critical economic and social sectors, she
spearheaded industry-defining policy, managed multi-billion-dollar budgets, and
championed high-impact legislation. She has played a pivotal role in leading or
contributing to parliamentary and trade delegations to Taiwan, Israel, Madagascar,
China, and India and has addressed the United Nations on combatting sex trafficking
and elevated Ontario’s culture industries during a mission to Los Angeles. Following
the pandemic she championed a return-to-play strategy for major sport leagues.
Upcoming Tours
Join us for our next adventure to one of Canada's beautiful locations and make new friends along the way.
Past Events
The Ottawa Women's Canadian Club has hosted hundreds of luncheons throughout its many years of existence. We are honoured to have met these former speakers who have inspired our members with their talent, experience, and enthusiasm.
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Reshaping the Future of Healthcare – Jennifer Van Noort
Read moreJennifer Van Noort is Chief Development Officer at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, where she has led transformative fundraising efforts for over two decades. A lifelong Ottawa resident and Carleton University graduate, Jennifer has played a pivotal role in major campaigns, including the Hospital’s $100M ‘Legacy Campaign’ and its current ambitious $500M ‘Campaign to Create Tomorrow’.
Recognized as Fundraising Executive of the Year by AFP Ottawa and Businesswoman of the Year by the Women’s Business Network, Jennifer is a respected leader in philanthropy and an advocate for community engagement.
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Embracing innovation, growth and sustainability at the Ottawa Airport – Susan Margles
Read moreBefore joining the Airport Authority as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2025, Susan Margles was a member of the senior leadership team at Canada Post for nearly 20 years. She held key roles, including Vice President of Government Relations and Policy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and most recently, Chief People and Safety Officer. In these positions, she played a pivotal role in integrating an Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework into organizational decision-making and advancing safety, human resources, labour relations, and government affairs. Come and hear the vision for the Ottawa Airport as it embraces innovation, growth, and sustainability to better serve Ottawa-Gatineau.
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The University in the Community: a transformative and sustainable vision for the University of Ottawa/L’Université dans la Cité – une vision transformatrice et durable pour l’Université d’Ottawa
Read moreDr. Marie-Eve Sylvestre has been president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa since July 1, 2025, and is the first woman to lead the University since its inception in 1848. In this Role she is also the Chief Executive Officer of the University and directs the University’s academic mission and its general administration. Prior to assuming this role, she was dean of the Civil Law Section of the Faculty of Law and co-chair of the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom. Under her leadership, the Civil Law Section promoted transformative learning experiences and achieved record growth in research activities, launching the first certificate in Indigenous law in French in North America and Jurivision.ca, an audiovisual knowledge mobilization platform. A distinguished interdisciplinary scholar, Dr. Sylvestre’s research focuses on criminal law and practices that have a discriminatory impact on marginalized populations.
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From Amman to Ottawa: Building Bonds Beyond Borders – A Woman’s Journey in Diplomacy
Read moreHer Excellency Sabah Nizar Al-Rafie was appointed Ambassador of Jordan to Canada in 2023. A career diplomat since 1999, she has held senior posts in Amman, London, Vienna, and Jeddah, and served as Jordan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and to UN agencies in Vienna. Ambassador Al- Rafie holds a Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Malta and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from the University of Jordan.
This festive event will again feature the jazz stylings of Peter Brown.
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From “girl reporter” in war zones to diplomat and Senator: A conversation with Senator Pamela Wallin
Read moreThe Honourable Pamela Wallin, O.C., S.O.M. was appointed to the Senate of Canada as an Independent Senator from Saskatchewan in 2008. Pamela served as Canada’s Consul General in New York from 2002-2006, in the wake of the tragic and tumultuous events of 9/11. She was then named to the Special Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan who successfully recommended support and airlift for our service men and women. Senator Wallin is a former Honourary Colonel of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Her wide-ranging career as a journalist, diplomat, entrepreneur and Senator has spanned nearly 40 years, several continents, and always with a focus on politics and foreign policy.
A wise person once said: “If you can’t offer people a vision of what they should do, you won’t be able to persuade them about the things they shouldn’t do.” Pamela tries to live her life according to this sage wisdom.
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Seeing Business Opportunities and Taking Action
Read moreRose Caddy Nwaha, is a proud alumna of the University of Ottawa’s School of Nursing, and a recipient of the 2025 Forty Under 40 Ottawa. She is a passionate beauty and wellness professional whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have positioned her as a recognized leader in the field of aesthetic medicine and wellness.
As a business leader, Rose manages three companies; Rocaderm Clinic, specializing in advanced medical aesthetics and wellness treatments; Rocan Home Healthcare Agency, supporting quality healthcare staffing and patient care; and Rocaderm Academy, dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of professionals in aesthetics.
She often recalls the words of Steve Jobs “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”. This quote resonates deeply with her and serves as a daily reminder to follow her own path and take bold action to create meaningful impact.
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Born to Fly – Kellylee Evans
Read moreKellylee Evans is a high-octane performer whose improvisational vocal style embodies jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. She has toured extensively throughout the world and opened for artists as varied as John Legend, Tony Bennett and Willie Nelson, captivating audiences along the way. Kellylee’s life took an unexpected turn in 2013, one that would deeply shape her personal journey and artistic path. Today, she continues to inspire audiences with her resilience, her passion, and her incredible ability to turn challenges into powerful messages of hope.
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Summer Social – My book(s) and experience of being an author
Read moreSpeaker: Authors, Norm Boucher and Katie Tallo
Norm Boucher had a 35-year career with the RCMP, working undercover on heroin, cocaine and homicide cases. He reveals this subculture, centered on Granville Street, in Vancouver in his memoir Horseplay: My Time Undercover on the Granville Strip. Katie Tallo’s debut novel, Dark August (2020) was named a New York Times Editor’s Pick. Since then a sequel, Poison Lilies, was published in 2022 and a third book was released in December 2024, titled Buried Road.
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Challenges to World Press Freedom in Canada and Abroad in 2025
Read moreSpeaker: Heather Bakken, President World Press Freedom Canada (WPFC)
Winner of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Heather Bakken is WPFC president and is a fierce defender of press freedom and independent media. Heather is a media executive and certified digital communications strategist with more than two decades of experience in digital and broadcast news. She was an anchor for NewsWorld International and worked for CBC News in Toronto, Winnipeg and Regina. In private media she was the Publisher of iPolitics and Queen’s Park Briefing. Heather is a founding partner and media and communications consultant at Pendulum.
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Is Canada still a Charter Society?
Read moreSpeaker: Senator Marilou McPhedran
The Honourable Marilou McPhedran is a human rights lawyer/educator/activist and Order of Canada Member, appointed an independent senator, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November 2016. Recognized for co-leadership in developing constitutional equality rights, she sponsors Bill S-201 to lower the federal voting age to 16, as well as Bill S-261, the “Can’t Buy Silence Act” to stop misuse of Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by entities receiving federal funding. A top priority on her Senate agenda is engaging and facilitating contributions by diverse young leaders in Canadian parliamentary affairs and global multilateralism.
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Weaving Canadian History into Fiction [Ottawa Women On Ice canceled]
Read moreThe Ottawa Women On Ice has been canceled
Speaker: Ian S. McKercher
Ian McKercher studied English and History at Queen’s University and came to Ottawa in 1969 to teach English at Glebe Collegiate. He is the author of five novels centred on the exploits of a fictional secretary hired to work for the fledgling Bank of Canada in 1934. The Underling was published in 2012, followed by The Incrementalist in 2016, Carbon Copy in 2019 and Death By Misadventure in 2022. His fifth book published in the fall was titled Home and Away. Copies of his books will be available for sale.
We will also hear about other great Ottawa skaters such as Barbara Ann Scott and Elizabeth Manley and watch some amazing footage of both of their premier performances. Help us to celebrate International Women’s Day at the OWCC as we remember these unforgettable accomplishments by women.
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Lifting Voices, Changing Lives: The CARP Impact on Aging in Canada
Read moreSpeaker: Claude Paul Boivin, CAE, CEC, HColonel (ret)
Having served in senior leadership positions both in Canada and abroad, Claude Paul has acquired extensive management experience in professional and trade associations and in international development. Throughout his career he has been Interim President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada, the CEO of the Canadian Dental Association; President of the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies, and CEO of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. He also held key positions with the International Development Research Centre over a period of 16 years, working and living in Africa and traveling extensively around the world. Claude Paul served for eight years as Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Army. Several of these organizations have given him honourary life membership as a proof of the esteem in which they hold him. He is currently Chair of CARP Ottawa (Canadian Association of Retired Persons).
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History Unfinished: Voices & Stories
Read moreSpeaker: Debra Davis
Debra has an extensive background in the private, volunteer and public sectors working at local, national and international levels. She is an active feminist, supporting women candidates as a political organizer, managing a Canada-UK women’s program as part of her duties as Counsellor Public Affairs at the Canadian High Commission in London (1999-2001), serving as a board member of the Arab International Women’s Forum (2001-2010) and the Ottawa Women’s March, (2019-2020). She is actively pursuing her long held interest in the history of women, the equality movement and social justice. Debra co-founded The Women’s History Project in 2021.
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“My journey to the Supreme Court of Canada”
Read moreThe Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on September 1, 2022, and served as a justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa from 2017-2022. She holds a Doctorate in Law from the University of Ottawa where she also taught part-time. She is the author of various publications and afrequent guest speaker on Gladue principles, Indigenous issues, as well as mental health, labour, and privacy law. Justice O’Bonsawin grew up in Hanmer, Ontario, a small Francophone town near Sudbury. She is a fluently bilingual Franco-Ontarian and an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation.
Peter Brown is a Lanark based jazz and blues pianist/singer who entertained us during our 2023 Holiday Event.
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Analysis and insights on the 2024 US Election results
Read moreBruce Anderson has been one of Canada’s leading market and opinion researchers for more than 30 years, and is one of Canada’s leading commentators on public opinion and political affairs.
Bruce has held senior strategic leadership roles at Decima Research, the EarnscliffeStrategy Group, Anderson Insight, and Abacus Data. In 2011, he co-founded spark* advocacy, Canada’s leading public affairs boutique, where he is currently Chief Strategy Officer.
Bruce was a regular member of CBC’s popular “At Issues” panel, and joins Peter Mansbridge and Chantal Hebert on “The Good Talk” podcast every Friday – one of Canada’s top political podcasts and YouTube shows.
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Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club with Le Club du Midi – Fall Fashion Show
Read more“Fabulous casual chic fashions for women with discerning taste”
MCs: Helen Aikenhead (owner) and Lillian Patry, Chair of Le Club du Midi. Models will walk among the tables while lunch is being served so that each of you may feel the fabrics and examine the pieces being modelled, up close. All guests will receive a list of what each model is wearing, the size, and price, including accessories. Should you wish to purchase “the item” being modeled while at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, you will be able to do so. There will be a pop-up shop featuring other items available in the store. Bring a friend and join us for lunch and a fun time with stunning clothes from 3 Wild Women.
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ELSIE REFORD and her Amazing Garden: A Story of Patience, Persistence and Passion
Read moreDr. Della Stanley, retired professor of Canadian History and Canadian Studies who taught at
Queen’s University, Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University will captivate us
with the story of Elisie Reford – an amazing woman. A few years ago, Dr. Stanley spoke to us
about her unique connection with the history of the Canadian Flag, her father having supplied
the initial design. On September 18, she will share with us her interest in Elsie Reford who
along with Lady Drummond founded the Canadian Women’s Club in Montreal in 1907, and who
in middle age, adopted a new passion – gardening. -
Summer Social – Accessory & Book Exchange
Read moreFeaturing: author Peter Pigott
Peter Pigott, author of ‘See Jane Fly‘, a story of women in aviation, of femininity and feminism will also be with us. His book will be on sale for $20 (cash only).
We will have a book and accessory exchange. No cash required. Bring your gently used books and accessories to give them a new life in a new home.
Come and have some social time with your fellow OWCC members and enjoy a fully catered BBQ. Casual seating with acess to the terrace. Buffet style BBQ lunch menu.
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Women’s Work: The First 20 Years of the WCHSO (Women’s Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa)
Read moreSpeaker: Connie Wren-Gunn
Connie is an Ottawa-based historian and a Director with Know History Inc., Canada’s leading historical services firm. She completed an MA in History at Carleton University and wrote her thesis on the first 30 years of the Women’s Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa (WCHSO) and the women who founded and managed it. One of these women was Adeline Foster (see photo inset), a founding member of the OWCC.
This luncheon will feature a Victorian Tea. Please wear your fascinator, hat or any other accessory which will put you in the mood for this event.
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True North Rising
Read moreSpeaker: His Excellency Whit Fraser
Whit is a former CBC News reporter, who covered the changing North from colonial rule to enshrining indigenous people’s rights in Canada’s Constitution and the creation of Nunavut. He has been the Chairman of the Canadian Polar Commission and later, Executive Director of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national Inuit organization, and is the husband of Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon. You are encouraged to read his award-winning and bestselling memoir, True North Rising and his novel, Cold Edge of Heaven.
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Advancing Reconciliation in the Federal Public Service
Read moreSpeaker: Mary-Luisa Kapelus
Mary is a Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs since November 2020. She previously served as ADM in two other departments. With vast experience in Indigenous affairs, she holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor’s from University of British Columbia.
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A Fresh Look at Canadian History with Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey
Read moreSpeaker: Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey
Rev. Dr. Bailey is dedicated to social justice, especially racial reconciliation, and is a strong promoter of interfaith collaborations, affordable housing and providing food for all. Under Dr. Bailey’s guidance, Parkdale Church, his parish since 1999, has delivered meal programs from November to the end of March known as ‘In From The Cold’. Volunteers provide warm dinners to members of the Ottawa community facing poverty and other challenges. Dr. Bailey also serves on the Board of the Ottawa Mission.
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The Famous 5 hosts the 95th anniversary of The ‘Persons’ Case.
Read moreSpeaker: Beatrice Keleher-Raffoul
Beatrice received recognition for her outstanding volunteer service by the Queen in 2003, 2013 and 2023, by the Governor General in 2017 and by the Province of Ontario in 2011 through The Leading Women, Building Communities Award. Her various contributions as a volunteer include but are not limited to being the Chair of Famous 5 Ottawa, January 2018 to present. Under her leadership, the Women are Person’s monument was installed on Parliament Hill, in October 2000.
The Famous 5 book will be on sale, at the event, for $15. Cash only!
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Holiday Event
Read moreFeaturing: Peter Brown
Lanark-based jazz and blues pianist/singer Peter Brown performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival for nine years. He has toured with several well-known groups including with former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor. He has released three jazz CDs under his own name, as well recording with many other artists. His CDs will be on sale at the event.
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Life for Women in Policing: Past and Present
Read moreSpeaker: Assistant Commissioner, M.O.M., Louise Lafrance (retired)
In 2013 joined a select group of Senior Officers becoming the second RCMP woman ever to hold the Commanding Officer’s post at ‘Depot’ Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. In this role, she was responsible for the selection of the Instructional Staff as well as for the content, delivery, and monitoring of the Cadet Basic Curriculum.
She will be accompanied by her daughter, AlexAnn Lafrance-Robineau, Constable who joined the RCMP in July 2015 and in the spring of 2020, transferred to Ottawa as part of the Musical Ride. She took on the role of trainer for new horses, including Noble, the horse that was recently gifted to King Charles III.
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Democratizing Music Education: Perspectives, Examples and Explorations
Read moreSpeaker: Joan Harrison, MM (Yale), PhD (uOttawa)
Joan combines her experiences as a cellist, educator, and entrepreneur, to manage the Capital Strings and Voices Collective (CSVC) whose mandate includes building community through the arts. Currently, CSVC is collaborating with youth from Kitigan Zibi First Nations Reserve to provide music lessons in concert with youth from Ottawa. In 2020, Joan was one of two Canadians awarded a Global Leaders Fellowship to receive an intensive year of executive training for agents of social change.
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Bringing Care and Anti-Poverty Work, Back to the Centre
Read moreSpeaker: Senator Kim Pate
Senator Pate is a member of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, the Canadian Bar Association’s Bertha Wilson Touchstone Award, and six honourary doctorates among other awards. She has made significant contributions to public education around the issues of women’s inequality and discriminatory treatment within social, economic and criminal legal spheres. She was appointed to the Senate as an Independent Senator in November 2016 after being the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies from January 1992.
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Summer Social & Book Exchange
Read moreThe OWCC would like to invite you to the first ever ‘Summer Social’ with a theme of literacy. Bring your gently used books that can be exchanged (leftover books will be donated to charity). There will be no cash exchange for donated books….just the love of learning.
BONUS: The book exchange is one delight…now add a local author to the menu! Yes, we will have Ottawa mystery writer, Glenn Rivard joining us. He will have his books for sale. What an opportunity for our readers, along with the free OWCC book exchange.
Come and have some social time with your fellow OWCC members and enjoy a fully catered BBQ. Casual seating with access to the terrace. Buffet style BBQ lunch menu. Smart casual dress code accepted.
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Pediatric Oncology: Still Far To Go
Read moreSpeaker: Dr. Donna Johnston
Dr. Johnston is Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and a full Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa. Her main areas of oncology expertise are in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), neuro-oncology, supportive care and palliative care. She is involved in a significant amount of clinical research, the majority of which looks at supportive care for oncology patients and has many publications on this topic.
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We Can’t Wait. Protect. Connect. Respect. A movement to protect at least 30% of land and ocean in Canada by 2030.
Read moreSpeaker: Sandra Schwartz
Sandra is the National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. With master’s degrees in management, and environmental studies and over 20 years of experience, she is a strong advocate for sound environmental policy and has championed progressive ideas for clean energy and tackling climate change.
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Homelessness: We Are Failing Our Responsibility to Our Community
Read moreSpeaker: Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Turnbull has pursued an interest in poverty and its effect on health nationally and internationally. He is one of the founders and is the past Medical Director of Ottawa Inner City Health which works to improve the health of people who are chronically homeless.
He is the recipient of several national and international grants and awards, including the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and an Honorary Degree of Law from Carleton University.
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The Many Faces of Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery: A Call to Action!
Read moreSpeaker: Sister Pauline Gagne
Sister Gagne, a Franco-Ontarian, teacher, social worker, spiritual companion, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, with missionary experience in Zambia, Haiti and Papua New Guinea, either teaching or involved in social justice work. She has been a member of PACT-Ottawa (Persons Against the Crime of Trafficking in Humans) since 2004.
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Hungary and Canada – Transatlantic Allies: Meeting New Challenges in a Changing World
Read moreSpeaker: Ambassador Mária Éva Vass-Salazar
Ambassador Vass-Salazar is a career diplomat with 25 years of experience in the Hungarian foreign service. Prior to her current assignment, she was Head of Department for Northern Europe covering bilateral relations with 13 countries. Before that she was Head of Department for Science Diplomacy. Ambassador Vass-Salazar served as Deputy Chief of Mission in London, as Political Counsellor in Washington DC, and as Political Officer at the Hungarian Delegation to NATO. She holds an MA in history and a PhD in international relations.
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December Holiday Event- Festive Flutes
Read moreJoin in the OWCC’s very special holiday event in the beautiful dining room of The Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club. Seasonal music will be provided by the Camerata Flutes, which includes Vic Norian, Janet Kreda and Michelle Bakota, who will play a selection of secular and faith-based holiday tunes, for your listening pleasure. There will be great food, door prizes and the sharing of good times. Bring a guest, maybe your spouse or a friend….buy a ticket for someone you cherish and share the spirit of the season.
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The Power of Storytelling: CBC’s Hallie Cotnam
Read moreSpeaker: Hallie Cotnam
Hallie joined the CBC out of journalism school in 1996, after a brief career as a bank manager. She worked in Montreal and Quebec City as a researcher and associate producer, and then began reporting in Gaspé, QC and Windsor, ON. The bright lights of Ottawa beckoned in 2002 when Hallie moved to the Nation’s Capital. Here she’s been a news editor, reporter, writer-broadcaster, and sometimes host of Ottawa Morning, while balancing life with a husband and 13-year-old twins.
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Advancing women’s leadership and inclusion to support diversity, equality and inclusion goals with Clare Beckton
Read moreSpeaker: Clare Beckton, BA, LLB (Sask.), MPA (Harvard), (Fulbright Scholar and Littauer Fellow)
Clare Beckton is a lawyer, a former senior executive including as head of Status of Women Canada, entrepreneur, author of Own it-Your Success Your Future, Your Life and many articles, sought after speaker, mentor and coach and award-winning advocate for advancing women’s leadership and for diversity and inclusion. She serves or has served on several non-profit Boards including chair of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Board, a member of the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board and now as chair of the Beechwood National Cemetery Board.
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The May Court Club of Ottawa Then and Now: After a Pandemic
Read moreSpeaker: Christine Beelen, Past President of the May Court Club of Ottawa
In 2000, Christine joined The May Court Club of Ottawa and has worked on a variety of service projects including working at the Civic Hospital Library, delivering food for the Emergency Food Box program, and promoting fundraisers including several May Court Balls. After early retirement from the Federal Public Service, she joined the Board of Directors as Assistant Treasurer, followed by Treasurer, then Director of Communications, became President and is now the Past President. Ms. Beelen has led the May Court Club through Covid facing many of the challenges which the OWCC faces, not the least of which is ‘how best to continue to achieve the goals of her organization’ post Covid.
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The Many Adventures of Lois Long
Read moreSpeaker: Janet Uren
Janet is a professional writer specializing in history. She began her career in magazines, working for Canadian Geographic among others, and in recent years has worked as an independent consultant. Her writing has included: family histories, institutional histories, personal memoirs, museum exhibits and interpretive panels. Lois Long approached Janet to review her research collection and transform it into a book which was published in 2019 under the title Migration: The Genealogical Adventures of Lois Long.
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Welcome to My Life of Crime: Why Mysteries Matter
Read moreSpeaker: Mary Jane Maffini
Lapsed librarian and former co-owner of Prime Crime Mystery Bookstore, Mary Jane Maffini is the author of three and a half mystery series. Her six Camilla MacPhee mysteries take place in Ottawa (such a dangerous place!) and the two Fiona Sik capers roll out in a quirky village in West Quebec. Winner of the 2015 Bony Blithe Award for mysteries that make us smile.
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The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and reflections on the Crown in Canada
Read moreSpeaker: Donald Booth, Canadian Secretary to the Queen, Privy Council of Canada
Donald Booth, Canadian Secretary to The Queen providing support to the Prime Minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council on issues related to the Crown in Canada and acting as the primary point of contact at the Privy Council Office for the Palaces to ensure that The Queen and Royal Family are effectively and efficiently supported.
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Canary in the Coal Mine: Why the threat to human rights in Afghanistan, and the consequences for women and girls, should matter to all of us.
Read moreSpeaker: Lauryn Oates, PhD., Executive Director, Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan
Dr. Lauryn Oates is an advocate for equitable access to quality education in conflict zones. Her organization is a Canadian charity that has helped make the human right to education real for ensuring access to learning for thousands of Afghan girls and women.
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The Famous 5 Foundation works to inspire and empower future generations of leaders with Frances Wright
Read moreSpeaker: Frances Wright, C.M., Co-Founder, Famous 5 Foundation
Frances is honoured to have worked with remarkable women and some fair-minded men across Canada to commemorate the Famous 5 so more women and girls are inspired to be bold leaders, and nation builders.
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Multifaith Housing Initiative – the 20th Anniversary with Sahada Alolo
Read moreSpeaker: Sahada Alolo, Manager of Community Engagement and Volunteers at the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI)
Sahada is the Manager of Community Engagement and Volunteers at the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI). After earning a BA from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana with a major in English language and comparative religious studies, followed by a master’s degree in human service specializing in non-profit management, she earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Sahada is also a board member of the Ottawa Muslim Women’s Organization and participates in interfaith dialogue through the Christian Muslim Dialogue.
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Live Well. Die Well. Grieve Well….building a compassionate community.
Read moreSpeaker: Monica Patten, Chair of Compassionate Ottawa
Monica is the Chair of Compassionate Ottawa, an organization of community volunteers that encourages everyone to work together to offer compassion to all. Monica brings many years of experience in the voluntary sector to this work. She has often been recognized for her leadership in the sector at home and around the world, including her 2013 appointment to the Order of Canada.
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Chantal Plamondon and Jay Sinha – Co-Founders of ‘Life Without Plastic’
Read moreTopic: Plastic Pollution Worldwide and Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint
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Jeff Westeinde – Co-Founder of THEIA Partners, Inc.
Read moreTopic: Zibi – A Project Ahead of its Time
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His Excellency Pétur Āsgeirsson – Ambassador of Iceland to Canada
Read moreTopic: The Saga of Icelandic Canadians
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Michael Maidment – Ottawa Food Bank, Chief Executive Officer
Read moreTopic: Feeding the Capital’s Hungry
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Diane Hodgins – Chief Financial Officer
Read moreTopic: The Fogo Islands Project – Social Entrepreneurship That Works
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Mark O’Neill
Read moreTopic: The Centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge – The Importance of Commemoration
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Dr. Jacalyn Duffin
Read moreTopic: Stanley’s Dream – The Canadian Medical Expedition to Easter Island
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Dr. Lindy Samson – Chief of Staff, CHEO-OCTC
Read moreTopic: Ensuring Kids are Healthy so They Can Reach Their Full Potential – Why Everyone Must Work Together
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Mme. Jehane Benoît, O.C. – The Grande Dame of Canadian Cuisine.
Read moreTopic: Japan through a Woman’s Eyes.
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Dr. Phil Gold – Cancer Researcher
Read moreTopic: The Advances Being Made in the Prevention, Diagnosis and Cure of Cancer
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Mr. Gordon Fairweather – Head of Human Rights Commission
Read moreTopic: How the New Commission Will Operate
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His Imperial Majesty, Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran.
Read moreTopic: Iran’s Development and Place in World Affairs
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Rt. Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King – Prime Minister of Canada
Read moreTopic: Unity at Home if We Are to Succeed Abroad
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The Rt. Honourable Earl Haig (& Countess Haig)
Read moreTopic: Delegates to the British Empire Service League Conference
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Past Tours
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Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute
Read moreWe are pleased to present a visit and tour of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute on Wednesday, November 5th from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
Founded in Paris 130 years ago, Le Cordon Bleu has evolved to become the foremost training institution in the world for culinary, hospitality and management courses. In 2000, Ottawa became home to the first Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute outside of Europe.
The highlight of our visit will be the culinary demonstrations conducted by a Master Chef in the main presentation centre. Chef Beatrice Dupasquier will prepare both sweet and savoury delicacies for us to enjoy over coffee and tea. A lovely afternoon treat!
There are limited spaces for this event and registration is essential. Tickets are $70.00 and include the tour, demonstrations, and tastings. Also, Le Cordon Bleu has a small boutique with souvenir items available for purchase at your own expense if you wish.
Le Cordon Bleu is located in the Sandy Hill area of Ottawa at 453 Laurier Avenue East. There is plenty of free parking in their lot, which can be accessed via Laurier. Please arrive by 2:50pm so we can begin on time at 3:00pm.
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The Supreme Court of Canada
Read moreWe are pleased to offer a private guided tour of the Supreme Court of Canada. Madame Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin kindly invited OWCC members to visit the Supreme Court. Many of you will recall Justice O’Bonsawin as our guest speaker at our December 2024 luncheon.
During our tour of the Supreme Court, we will learn more about the architecture of the building, the Canadian judicial system and how the Supreme Court deals with important legal issues. Photos can be taken at the beginning as well as at the end of the tour.
Following the tour, Justice O’Bonsawin will meet with us to talk about her role and to answer any questions. This promises to be a very interesting morning!
The Supreme Court of Canada is located at 301 Wellington Street between Kent Street and Lyon Street. There is no parking available at the Supreme Court, but several public and municipal parking lots are located nearby. There is no cost to attend this tour, but registration is essential. Please note that we are limited to 35 OWCC members/guests, who will be accepted in order of registration.
NOTE: Please plan to arrive by 9:45am, as we must pass through the security scanning stations before our tour begins. You will be asked to walk through a metal detector and may be scanned with a hand-held metal detector. Your belongings, like bags or coats, will go through an X-ray machine. You will be asked to remove your coat or jacket if you are wearing one, and show security staff electronics and liquids you have with you. The security screening takes approximately 15 minutes. If you need assistance or have any special needs, let security staff know when you arrive at the screening point.
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BUS TRIP – Maple Sugar Bush in Lanark, Ontario
Read moreWheelers Maple Tour
We are delighted to present a bus trip to Lanark, Ontario for a visit and guided tour of Wheelers Maple, one of the largest maple operations in Ontario with over 20,000 maple trees on 730 acres. Wheelers Maple is in the Guinness Book of Records as having the largest collection of maple syrup production items in the world!
We will leave Ottawa at 8:30am for a 75-minute ride to Lanark. While at Wheelers, we will learn about the history of maple syrup production in Canada, learn about and see maple syrup being made in the Sugar Camp, and taste maple taffy on the snow!
Also, to honour the Indigenous heritage of the region and to pay homage to the First Nations for their discovery of maple syrup, Wheelers has erected a huge traditional style tepee which you are welcome to explore.
We will also enjoy a traditional maple brunch in the grand log cabin: pancakes with maple syrup, sausages, baked beans, coffee/tea and juice. There is also a wide assortment of maple products you can purchase to bring home.
We will return to Ottawa by bus and arrive at approximately 2:30pm.
Tickets for the event (including bus trip, tours, samples and brunch)
