pointed new members to sit on this multi-partisan steer- ing committee, which is charged with providing recom- mendations and developing programs which will aid in the recruitment and retention of female politicians, create family-friendly legislatures, and address gender-related is- sues in Canada. Given the unique makeup of elected representatives on the Committee, these women are greatly familiar with the challenges facing women considering or living a political life. “Canadian women face both financial and familial challenges upon entering politics,” noted the Committee’s Chair and Liberal Member of Parliament Maria Minna. “But when a country as troubled as Rwanda can have 56% female representation in their Parliament, you have to ask why we haven’t achieved even close to this in Canada.” Minna noted that while financial and familial challeng-
es are most often pinpointed as barriers to women’s in- volvement in politics, there are other obstacles – including local nomination processes. Nominations are considered a “huge roadblock” for women trying to enter politics; po- litical parties often run women in seats they are not likely to win, and women require various local connections and substantial fundraising to be successful in this process. It is also difficult to encourage women to run for of-
fice given the often daunting and unpredictable lifestyle of politicians.
“Punching in a 12-16 hour work day in the legislature is not conducive to family life,” noted CPACWA mem- ber and Newfoundland Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. “We need to institute female-friendly and family friendly practices to ensure the maintenance of women’s presence in Parliament, and to encourage more women to get in- volved.” While the historical challenges of work-life balance
and financial barriers are certainly on the radar for the CPACWA, the Association is planning to tackle more of the practical obstacles facing women in politics, particu- larly for women who are already elected. Ensuring that legislatures sit at appropriate hours, im- proving decorum in government houses
and addressing
practical accessibility issues for female parliamentarians are various ways in which the CPACWA can play a role in helping retain females once elected. Association member Lisa MacLeod, who is an Ontario
Progressive Conservative MPP, recalled one provincial legislature that hosted Party caucus meetings on a floor where there was no women’s washroom. “Making small changes like moving a meeting room to accommodate women may seem minor to some,” said MacLeod. “But it shows how slow our legislatures have been changing to recognizing the presence of women in parliament.” Another important aspect of retention for females in politics is the eventuality of movement within the Party.
“There are many talented female politicians who have aspirations to be more than MPs or MLAs,” noted Jones. “By providing a supportive network, hopefully we can encourage these women to run for leadership positions within their respective Party or even encourage them to be leaders of their Party. Right now there is only one fe- male premier in Canada, in Nunavut – and she is non- partisan.” There are high hopes for the Association and its goals. “At the beginning I wasn’t sure what to expect from
joining the CPACWA. Given our varying political views, we don’t seem to be a likely group of people to get to- gether and discuss these challenges,” said MacLeod. “How- ever, I was pleasantly surprised to see many of the women (regardless of political party or geography) share so many common experiences.” Yvonne Jones also expressed her faith in the group. “Leadership and personalities always constitute the suc- cess of these groups. Our Association has competent lead- ership and committed, dedicated individuals who have the personality and capability to engage others,” said Jones. “That, and the familiarity of issues facing women in poli- tics is what I think has made our Association so successful.” CPACWA’s practical approach to political equity may
not spawn two-day conferences in the Nation’s Capital or lead to grand systemic change, but it will improve the lives of Canadian women who are already elected. Members feel by doing that, they will attract a greater number of women to join them.
“I’m fed up with talk and good intentions,” said Minna.
“People can’t keep pretending that everything is fine and that change has arrived. Now is the time for change – I’m not waiting anymore.”
Katlyn Harrison is a Research Consultant with government relations firm Summa Strategies Canada, located in Ottawa. She is a recent graduate from the University of Ottawa where she completed an Honours Degree in Communication, and is an active member of both the Ontario PC Party and the Federal Conservative Party.
December 2010 | Campaigns & Elections 49
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