FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about our organization, membership and business partner program.
GENERAL
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) believes that gender expression and identity is a fundamental right.
Our membership is open to all women and non-binary people and we are committed to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices to ensuring that all members’, volunteers’, Directors’, Officers’, and employees’ rights are respected and protected.
Gender identity or expression is not in any way related to one’s eligibility for participating as a volunteer or employee.
Not yet – but we’re working on it. We started in Ontario and have worked hard to establish a presence there first. In 2020 (and beyond), we’ll be working on a national expansion strategy, with plans to roll out chapters across Canada by 2023.
We are also working to connect our rural members through ‘Active Community Tables’ which are member-organized break-out groups that operate in specific regions with our guidance and support.
To join us as a member you must:
- Identify as a woman or a non-binary individual AND
- Represent a Canadian resident business entity (sole proprietor, corporation, OR partnership) that is at least 50% woman-owned – and has a woman leader/CEO OR
- Represent a Canadian not-for-profit corporation with a minimum of 50% women at the Board of Directors level
Click here for full details about becoming a member – including pricing, what’s included and how to join.
MEMBERSHIP
Most of the CanWCC magic happens on our online platform called The Table. You will receive immediate access once you sign up – and regular prompts and updates (via email) when there’s new info there or something we think you won’t want to miss.
We also communicate fairly regularly via email, and you can always check our events calendar for live events coming up near you.
No. Though we understand that Facebook is a convenient place for many people to connect, some people choose not to use it and – most importantly – information is not secure there. For this reason, all our online connection, interaction and conversation takes place at The Table, which is completely private and secure.
We are working all the time to create new opportunities for our members to learn and connect in person. Our Events page is a great place to search for upcoming events (hosted by us and others) near you.
We are also in the process of introducing ‘Active Community Tables’ which are local, member-organized break-out groups that meet on a monthly basis. We provide resources and discussion points on a particular topic for these meetings. Afterwards, everyone is invited to continue the conversation and share their thoughts, perspectives and questions on The Table, our online community platform.
Yes! In fact, this group is one of the best ways to build connections if in-person learning and networking opportunities are difficult for you to access. Much of our conversation and learning happens online – and we are also in the process of introducing ‘Active Community Tables’ which are local, member-organized break-out groups that meet on a monthly basis.
We provide resources and discussion points on a particular topic for these meetings. Afterwards, everyone is invited to continue the conversation and share their thoughts, perspectives and questions on the topic on The Table, our online community platform.
All to say: there are lots of ways to get involved and be engaged, even if you’re not in a big city. We hope you’ll join us!
(Click here for more information on joining us as a member.)
PARTNERSHIP
Though discounts are an easy and straightforward way of encouraging our members to work with you, we also accept appropriate exchanges in the form of resources that can be used by our members to start, grow, or scale their businesses.
If you are eligible to join us as a member, we strongly suggest you join us that way – at least to start. Members can directly participate in our community platform, post member discounts, offers, and events, and build awareness of their products and services through a variety of methods that are not available to our partner network. You will also receive access to all of our membership benefits.
(Click here for more information on our partner program.)