Pledged to nominate more women in 2008 than they did in 2006
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Met that pledge in winnable ridings as of May 2008
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Supports electoral reform
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
With only 20.8% of the seats in the House of Commons held by women, Canada currently ranks 52nd internationally in the representation of women in Parliament – on par with Ethiopia and Pakistan. The lack of women in Canada’s Parliament means that important perspectives and concerns affecting women across the country are not always discussed. In order to achieve equal representation on the political stage, more women need to run for public office and reforms are necessary to create a fairer electoral system.
Canada has already had two Royal Commissions documenting the need for more women in politics and barriers for women. It’s time for action: parties and their leaders must commit to recruiting more women candidates, nominating them at the local level, and supporting them to run in ridings where they can win. Parties serious about putting more women in Parliament can also pursue electoral reform to create a stronger, fairer system that elects more women.
* This analysis is based on public information available as of September 10, 2008.
Q. What does your party do to recruit, nominate and support more women candidates in winnable ridings?
