GIMLI, Man. – The debate over the resolution was closely and passionately argued.
Its weight was marked by frequent challenges of the process, attempts to amend the resolution’s wording and even an attempt to derail the motion by tabling it for a year.
The venue for this heartfelt debate: the Manitoba Women’s Institute.
“I think it’s wonderful. I enjoyed today,” said meeting chair and next year’s president Diane Hall after an hour and a half of discussions.
Resolutions are often strenuously debated at MWI annual meetings. Members are fussy about the rules of debate and each year a “parliamentarian,” a person who knows the rules of debate as practised in Parliament, is brought in to ensure correct prodecures.
Read Also
European wheat production makes big recovery
EU crop prospects are vastly improved, which could mean fewer canola and durum imports from Canada.
It may seem odd for a group of well-meaning Manitoba women to be so picky about how their meeting runs, but president Vivian Campbell said it’s a finnickiness she’s proud of.
“They want things done properly. They want things well done,” said Campbell.
“I think it’s what has given this organization credibility over the years.”
Campbell said the rigor of MWI debates helps it sort out arguments before taking resolutions to the provincial government.
At this year’s meeting a resolution about creating a no-fault system for doctors was amended and had half its clauses removed because MWI members felt it was unfocused. Campbell said the debate made her realize the solutions to rural doctor problems will take some work to figure out.
“As an organization we’re going to have to do a lot of research so we can support our statements.”
After doing that work, Campbell expects the government to take MWI’s submission seriously.
“When we present something to the government they know we’ve done it well, worked hard on it and have our facts well founded.”
Hall said she sees the women’s combativeness as a compliment.
“They are very interested, intelligent women,” said Hall. “They are very committed to their communities.”
