Non-governmental Organizations with a policy capacity

Canadian Feminist Organizations

Barrier Elimination Pan Project (BEP)
The BEP Project is an action project of Ottawa's Round Table Against Violence Against Women. It is assisting Round Table member organizations to improve access and reduce barriers to service for women who are victims or perpetrators of lesbian partner abuse or same-sex sexual assault. There is particular emphasis on the needs of immigrant and visible minority lesbians. The project has created a set of standards for service so that the lesbian community can identify 'friendly' organizations within the criminal justice system and related service providers. The project is funded by The Women's Program of Status Of Women Canada and sponsored by Interval House.

Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS)
CAEFS is a federation of autonomous societies which works with, and on behalf of, women involved with the justice system, particularly women in conflict with the law. Elizabeth Fry Societies are community-based agencies dedicated to offering services and programs to marginalized women, advocating for legislative and administrative reform, and holding forums on aspects of the justice system which affect women.

DisAbled Women's Network (DAWN)
DAWN (DisAbled Women's Network) Ontario is a cross-disability organization working towards access, equity, and full participation of Women with disabilities through public education, coalition-building,self-advocacy, resource development and the building of online communities for Women with disabilities, including activists and advocates.  DAWN also offers an online discussion group.

Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA)
The Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) is a dynamic coalition of over 50 Canadian women's equality-seeking and related organizations.

Equal Voice
Equal Voice is a national advocacy group in Canada for the election of more women. They have members in every part of the country, including elected women in Parliament, some legislatures and municipal councils. Equal Voice is multi-partisan, with members in most political parties working together to increase female participation in running the country. They are volunteer, and non-profit, and support political activities--lobbying the political parties to nominate women and calling publicly for electoral reform--out of their membership fees.

Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
LEAF is a national, non-profit organization working to promote equality for women and girls in Canada. Using the equality provisions from Section 15 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as a basis to advance women's rights, LEAF presents arguments, or intervenes, in cases where women's rights are at risk in Canadian courts.

National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC)
NCWC is a national, non-partisan federation of voluntary organizations, dedicated to improving conditions of life for women, families and communities in Canada. Their mission is to empower all women to work towards improving the quality of life for women, families and society through a forum of member organizations and individuals.

National Association of Women and the LAW (NAWL)
NAWL works for women's legal equality.

National Women's Reference Group on Labour Market Issues (NWRG/GRNF)
The National Women's Reference Group on Labour Market Issues is a network of women and women's organizations focused on labour market issues.

Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC)
The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations and Métis women within First Nation and Canadian societies.

Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH)
The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses is a provincial coalition primarily of first stage emergency shelters for abused women and their children. Our members also include some second stage housing programs and community based women's service organizations. OAITH is the largest women's shelter association in Canada . The Association works together with member shelters to educate and promote changes in all areas that abused women and their children identify as important to their freedom from violence.

Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)
SCWIST's mission is to promote and empower women in science and technology. SCWIST is a non-profit voluntary association, established in 1981.

Voice of Women (VOW)
VOW is a Canadian women's organization, dedicated to promoting the peace movement and social justice nationally and globally.


Other Canadian Policy Organizations

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Founded in 1980 to promote research on economic and social issues facing Canada.

Canadian Council on Social Development
Since 1920, the Council has been advancing social programs and policies to serve children, families and communities.

Canadian Public Health Association
Represents public health in Canada with links to the international public health community.

C.D. Howe Institute
Reputed as Canada's most respected independent, nonprofit economic and social policy research institution.

Caledon Institute
Social policy think tank that seeks to inform and influence public and expert opinion and to foster public discussion on poverty and social policy.

Canadian Policy Research Networks Inc
Its mission is to create knowledge and lead public debate on social and economic issues important to the well-being of Canadians.

Institute for Research on Public Policy
Its mission is to improve public policy in Canada by promoting and contributing to a policy process that is more broadly based, informed and effective.