Published on March 21, 2025

You already know that the Councils of Women are nonpartisan at all levels- international, national, provincial, and local. We do not engage in pure body politics or criticize candidates, leaders, or political parties. However, we are committed to the values and principles of democracy essential to our advocacy for improving the lives of women and their families. Regardless of the political positions within government, we advocate for the communities around us. Our actions align with the values we promote.

This is achieved by making public statements regarding various policy areas. Examples include the health and safety of children, employment discrimination against marginalized women, the trafficking and persecution of women and children, the elimination of violence, the need for gun control, discrimination based on ethnicity, race, or religion, the destruction of our environment, and improved educational opportunities. A summary of our resolutions and policy statements reflects our commitment to advancing these issues. Please examine the websites of the International, National, Provincial, and Local Councils of Women. We advocate not for an ideology but for changes in government policy and necessary legislation to address our concerns.

The Councils are committed to the rule of law, ethical procedures, and democratic order. Unfortunately, the global order is being dismantled, and democratic principles face substantial challenges. The work of groups like “Democracy Watch” and “Disinformation Watch” encapsulates the forces that undermine the values we hold dear. We are inundated on social media platforms (Twitter, X, Instagram, Facebook, mainstream media, etc.) with disinformation, manipulation, and the selective omission of facts. The world is facing interference in democratic elections. International organizations, United Nations agencies, and the efforts of NGOs are being disregarded and dismantled by undemocratic regimes (Russia, North Korea, Iran, China, Hungary). These ideas are gaining traction in Canada.

The election of U.S. President Donald Trump has worsened the situation. He has chosen to endorse the authoritarian principles of non-democratic regimes. Through the deliberate harm caused by his trade wars, the deportation of hundreds of law-abiding citizens from diverse cultural backgrounds, withdrawal from the Paris Accord on climate change, cessation of participation in the World Health Organization, exits from the UN Commissions on Human Rights, Labour, and Criminal Justice, the elimination of all foreign aid to international service organizations, and restrictions on citizens’ voting rights, along with opposition to equity programs based on gender or race, the list of actions he and his associates are taking seems endless.

Given Trump’s trade war with Canada and his desire to annex Canada as the 51st state, he has already begun interfering in our upcoming federal election. Donald Trump has expressed his support for a Canadian political party leader that aligns with his worldview. Approximately 66% of Postmedia (Vancouver Sun, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette) is owned by the American hedge fund Chatham Asset Management. The media landscape has evolved for print and broadcasting. Independent media, even conservative newspapers like the Globe and Mail, have maintained their integrity. We can no longer rely on many media sources for the truth, and there is little investment in investigative journalism.

Before voting, please evaluate the arguments and positions of your candidate or their political party in our federal election. The next step is to stay informed about the truth. Fact-checking sites serve as tools to debunk false claims. To this end, the MCW offers the following sources to verify the facts in the rhetoric you may encounter.

Disinformation Watch
Democracy Watch

A valuable website from the Government of Canada provides comprehensive information about concerns and resources related to online disinformation and fact-checking. It is worth reading.

The MCW remains available to provide reliable resources if you wish to pursue the facts about any matter of concern. Contact us; we have your back and can assist in clarifying issues and avoiding red flags.

Maria Peluso, VP of Government Relations,
Quebec and Montreal Council of Women

Linda Serpone, President,
Montreal Council of Women

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