The Women’s Canadian Club of Calgary stands as one of the city’s oldest civic organizations dedicated to women. Established in the early 20th century, the club has since become a vital space where women can exchange ideas, hear from accomplished speakers, cultivate a sense of civic responsibility, and strengthen their national identity. In this article on calgarynka, we delve into the club’s history and its ongoing activities.
Club History
The first Women’s Canadian Clubs emerged in major Canadian cities in the late 19th century as centers for education, patriotism, and social activism. The Calgary club joined this national movement. The Women’s Canadian Club of Calgary was founded in 1911 to provide women with opportunities for personal growth and to stay informed about events in the city, the country, and the world. The similar Men’s Canadian Club of Calgary was founded around the same time.
Another core objective of the club is to foster a sense of pride in Canada and in being part of the Canadian community. The club encourages its members to take an active interest in the nation’s history and culture, participate in public initiatives, and pass on knowledge of national traditions to future generations.
Since its founding in the early 20th century, the club has continually attracted prominent speakers who inform members about current issues and achievements in Canada. Past speakers have included former Canadian Prime Ministers R. B. Bennett and John Diefenbaker, Prince Philip, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Hole, the Duke of Edinburgh, and many others.
Originally, new members of the club had to be subjects of the United Kingdom and required two existing members as sponsors. The sponsorship requirement has long been dropped. Today, the club is open to people from all walks of life, and membership is also available to men.
Club Activities
The club’s focus is primarily on organizing meetings with well-known speakers and hosting luncheons. These events provide participants with a valuable opportunity to discuss important social issues, share their experiences, and broaden their understanding of Canada and the world.
In addition to its speaking events, the club supports charitable initiatives aimed at youth development and rethinking the role of women in public life. Special emphasis is placed on patriotic education and the preservation of Canadian traditions. The club also runs several volunteer programs.
How to Join the Club
Any woman who shares the club’s values and is interested in active civic, cultural, and educational engagement can become a member of the Women’s Canadian Club of Calgary.
To join the club, you need to pay an annual membership fee, which is $65 CAD. Additionally, you are required to pay for each luncheon you attend. The cost of a ticket for the lunch, which includes the speaker’s presentation, is $62. If you don’t wish to attend every luncheon, you are not obligated to do so. You are welcome to attend only the events that interest you most.
What to Expect at the Luncheons
All club luncheons are held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Palliser Hotel. The event begins with a formal wine reception in the hotel lobby at 11:15 a.m. Doors to the dining room open at 11:50 a.m. Lunch is served promptly at 12:00 p.m., and the speaker’s address or other program begins at 12:30 p.m. and lasts for 30 minutes. Guests then have an opportunity to chat with the speaker and other attendees. The event usually concludes by 1:15 p.m.
The club invites speakers from a diverse range of fields, including education, history, arts, business, sports, and politics. The Board of Directors selects new presenters for each season.
Why the Club’s Work Matters
For many generations of women, the club has been a vital place for self-fulfillment, mutual support, and inspiration. It is a welcoming environment where Calgary women can freely express their opinions and engage in continuous learning. Furthermore, it serves to strengthen social connections, which is crucial for building self-confidence and independence.