Results
A majority of conference goals were met, and more than sufficient ideas and information were produced to generate ongoing results. Firstly, the attendance and participation of a diversity of women from across Canada was achieved. Secondly, the six conference theme areas were thoroughly discussed among women with particular knowledge and experience in the fields. Thirdly, a number of possible partnerships were identified for productive work in these and other areas. Fourthly, the effectiveness of information technology as a way of working was explored and evaluated. Fifthly, a number of exciting and innovative project areas were identified, and the raw material for a new mandate and plan of action for CCLOW was gathered. Finally, CCLOW emerged from the conference with the energy and enthusiasm of a new Board of Directors which more closely reflects the diversity of the organization's constituency.

Evaluation
The conference was a success for the goals it achieved and the benefit it accrued to the women who attended. Comments on evaluations forms were consistently in the nature of "Very informative," "Very good," and "I learned lots." An area that was inadequately covered was the education and learning needs of women with disabilities. Due to lack of registration, a planned workshop on this area was cancelled, though support for the resource persons was provided and a discussion group was convened on Saturday. However, it cannot be left to women with disabilities alone to identify needs, act on issues, raise awareness and lobby for public recognition, support, accessibility and inclusion.

The exploration of technology revealed that though it is an effective tool to broaden, diversify and facilitate participation, it cannot replace face-to-face meetings. A clear conclusion was that traditional (face-to-face) and newer (technology-based) ways of working need to be combined for the best results.

It also became evident that for an effective organization, a one-time conference is no replacement for a stable operating base, permanent staff and regular meetings of a cohesive governing body. Organizers were obviously keen to make the most of time spent in the company of such experienced, innovative, active and thoughtful women; however, this meant that conference activity was affected by a significant time pressure, with an enormous agenda to be accomplished in three days. At the same time, many far reaching and less tangible objectives were achieved through the networking, information exchange, support and inspiration generated by such a gathering of participants.

Conclusion
Designing Our Future created an important moment in Canadian women's history. It facilitated the networking, collaboration, support, learning, growth and inspiration of some of Canada's most active, experienced, knowledgeable and thoughtful women, and, through this work identified numerous critical issues in women's learning, education and training. At minimum, these issues and the recommendations they generated indicate the significant amount of work still to be undertaken to achieve equality for women in learning and education. An important point to highlight is the inadequacy of having educational and training systems tied principally to labour market participation. Education and learning are fundamental to fulfilled and active existence in all aspects of society, beyond employment, and this is especially relevant for women whose participation in the labour market may be limited, such as older women, women with dependents and women with disabilities.

The motivation and scheme for this congress were drawn in part from CCLOW's founding congress in Banff, 1979. Twenty years later, much has been achieved but much remains to be done. It is imperative that a co-ordinated, national body continue to advocate for equitable learning and education for women. Those who gathered in Toronto in March, 2000, were diverse, dedicated, concerned and committed to the advancement of women's equality in all its manifestations. Their work and participation have indeed begun to design the future for women's learning, education and training in this country.