BRITISH COLUMBIA Unionist urges women’s unity 7 The united action of women in the trade union movement and women from the community on International Women’s Day will go a long way to ensuring that women’s issues are on the political agenda in the next provincial election, delegates to a B.C. Fed- eration of Labor women’s conference affirmed last week. At a political forum, the highlight of a _ two-day “B.C. ’86 — Equity or Status Quo?” conference organized by the federa- tion’s women’s committee, leaders of three political parties, the Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats, outlined their parties’ _ programs for dealing with the concerns of the women of British Columbia, and answered questions put to them by dele- gates to the conference and representatives from community women’s organizations. Premier Bill Bennett was also invited to participate in the forum but did not respond - to the invitation. “We are disappointed that _ Bill Bennett has not seen fit to attend our forum. But we have a message for him: no _ political leader can afford to ignore the con- ' cerns of 51 per cent of the electorate,” said Anne Harvey, president of Office and Technical Employees Union Local 378 and chair of the conference. “Bill Bennett, you ignore these issues at your peril,” she said to applause. _ The unprecedented co-operation between the organizing committee for the Interna- tional Women’s Day events and women in the labor movement also saw the trade union conference adjourn early to allow ‘participation of the delegates in the annual march and rally. “The women’s movement in this pro- vince needs to strengthen the links between the women in trade unions and women in the community. We have different expe- riences and skills. If we can put the two of them together we must achieve success,” said Harvey. “What has happened here today is a good start to build on in future years,” she said. During the political forum, delegates put several questions to political leaders on key issues which organizers say will be the focus of the women’s movement’s campaign in the upcoming provincial election. At the forum were NDP leader Bob Skelly, Tory leader Peter Pollen and Liberal leader Art Lee. The Communist Party and the Green Party had not been invited. The issues covered included equal pay for work of equal value, childcare, a shorter work week and support for abortion rights. Although he did not outline a timetable or specific proposals on many issues, NDP leader Bob Skelly consistently outlined the strongest program for affirmative action on achieving equality of women. “Women continue to confront inequality in all aspects of their lives,” said Skelly in his opening statement. “The struggle for equal- ity isan economicissue. A healthy economy depends on the full and equal participation of women,” he said. To applause from the delegates he also pledged to provide “adequate core fund- ing” for quality childcare “‘at decent wages” and stated that “equal access to abortion for all women is essential. Saturday, May 10, 1986 (Maximum 4 people to a team) to win great prizes. 30. So keep your Tribs until May 10. The “Red Buzzards” invite you to: ‘The 5th Annual Buzzards Run Scavenger Hunt DON’T MISS IT — form your team now | The field is wide open — the winning team of previous years is running this | year’s hunt. Now everyone has a chance PORTE NOTICE TO SCAVENGERS will be a new challenge this year. To ‘score bonus points save the Buzzards Run Trib ads that will appear in the following seven issues: March 19 and 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and | (All proceeds to Pacific Tribune) | Centre for Socialist E ducation in co-operation with the theoretical and political journal Communist Viewpoint present a conference “The Politics and Economics ANNE HARVEY... Bennett ignores women’s issues “‘at his peril.’ “If free-standing clinics are the means to providing that access then that access will be provided,” he said. The conference was officially opened on the Friday night with greetings from Cana- dian Labor Congress executive vice- president Shirley Carr and B.C. Federation of Labor president Art Kube. The keynote speech that evening was given by Diane Wood of the B.C. Government Employees Union who outlined the victories women have achieved over the 10 years and called for increased co-operation among. all women to achieve the common goal of full economic equality. Greetings from the family to JEAN BIRD on her ‘80th birthday March 18, 1986 of the Revolution in Technology” March 22 and 23, 1986 King Edward Campus Auditorium 1155 East Broadway, Vancouver | * two representatives from Soviet | social science academies | * William Kashtan, leader, Communist Party of Canada | * David Fairey, trade union researcher $10 employed/$4 unemployed, students, seniors Register at People’s Co-op Bookstore (in person/by phone) q or by writing to: Centre for Socialist Education, _ #105, 2747 E. Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., V5K 1Z8 Free on-site childcare Friday, March 14 7:30 p.m. Granville Room Sheraton Plaza 500 12th Ave. & Cambie St. ored by Communist Party of Spons: Canada, #102, 2747 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, 8.C. VSK 128 Classified Advertising COMING EVENTS MAR. 14 — Report back from 27th of CPSU by Maurice Rush. See display ad for details. MAR. 15 — Vancouver East Club Irish Social. Irish stew, music and refreshments. See Reg Walters’ slides from his recent trip to Ireland. 8 p.m. 2296 Kitchener St. Admission: $3 or haif- price for those attired entirely in green. Call 254-8692 for further info. MAR. 20 — AGM Canadian-Cuban Friend- ship Assoc. Election of 1986 executive. Also slides of Trans-Siberian railway by Mavis Wall. Everyone welcome. Rm. L-5, Britannia Com- munity Centre. 8 p.m. MAR. 22 — Testimonial evening honoring Sophia Podolczuk, Harry Hoshowsky and John Bobb. Three veteran instrumentalists in String orchestras of the AUUC. Cocktails: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. Dancing at 9 p.m. to Harry’s Good Times Band. Ukrainian Hall, 805 E. Pender St. Tickets in advance: $10. Phone 253-3032. MAR. 22 — Welcome social for Soviet guests participating in Technological Change confer- ence. Russian People’s Home, 600 Campbell Ave. Doors: 6 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. $5 employed, $3 unemployed. Sponsored by Canada-USSR Friendship Society. For info. call 731-3048. MAR. 29 — Benefit dance for El Salvador. Ukrainian Hall, 805 E. Pender. 8 p.m. APR. 12 — Hold this date for third annual COPE auction. To donate or for more. info. Phone Sue at 254-9797 or Lydia at 874-4806. COMMERCIAL GRAMMA PUBLICATIONS. Complete print- ing services. Brochures, menus, leaflets, etc. A union shop. 1595 W. 3rd Ave. Vancouver. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 733-6822. ELECTRICAL PLUMBING, appliance repairs. Don Berg 255-7287. AUTO TUNE-UPS and repairs. Reasonable rates. Phone Richard 879-4038. DRYWALL, TAPING and ceiling systems. Ask for Tony at 596-1355. GENERAL INSURANCE, home, business, trade union. Dave Morton, bus. 986-9351; res. 433-4568. VICTORIA BILL HARTLEY your AutoPlan man. All types of insurance. Mail in or phone in. 2420 Douglas Street, Victoria, V8T 4L7. 388-5014. LEGAL SERVICES RANKIN, BOND, McMURRAY. Barristers and Solicitors. 2nd Floor, 157 Alexander Street, 682-3621. DIRECTORY COMMUNIST PARTY OF CANADA offices located at 102, 2747 E. Hastings St. Vancouver. Phone 254-9836. Office hours: 9:30-12 noon; 1-5 p.m. Mon to Fri. For information on political issues or assistance in political activity. _HALLS FOR RENT RUSSIAN PEOPLE’S HOME — Available for rentals. For reservations phone 254-3430. UKRAINIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE — 805 East Pender St. Vancouver. Available for banquets, weddings, meetings. Phone 254-3436. Classified advertising rates $1 per line per week. Deadline for insertions: Wednesday of - week prior to publication. RANKIN & COMPANY Barristers & Solicitors 4 4th Floor, 195 Alexander St. Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1N8& 682-2781 Offers a broad range of legal services including: Personal Injury & Insurance claims Real Estate & Conveyancing Divorce & Family Law Labour Law Criminal Faw Estates & Wills PACIFIC TRIBUNE, MARCH 12, 1986 « 11