Jackie DaSilva

Communications Co-Chair, EV Toronto

"I can only be what I can see: we need a critical mass of women in politics to finally turn the tide on the centuries-old perception of politics as an 'old boys club', into a world that is abundant with women's voices."

Shari Graydon

Founder, Informed Opinions

"The only way we're ever going to achieve a more equitable distribution of the social costs of perpetuating the species is for women to be sharing our experience-informed perspectives in the corridors of power."

Nicole Loreto

Vice-President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, The Royal Ottawa

"We need to bring gender balance to all levels of government. EV is a national organization that can help create that parity"

Anita Vandenbeld

International Consultant, Inclusive political participation and parliamentary development

"When a woman runs for office, she learns certain lessons. Why should every woman learn them from scratch? Together we can build on each others' experiences and get much further ahead"

Lynne Hamilton

National Vice-Chair, Equal Voice

"Electing more women is just common sense."

Dr. Zul Merali

President & CEO, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research

"I am proud to be an Equal Voice Champion because of the strong role women have played in shaping who I am. Women need to bring their voice to the governance of our country. "

Rosemarie Leclair

Chair & CEO, Ontario Energy Board

"Research shows that there is a direct correlation between a corporation's performance and the number of women in the boardroom and C-suite.  Why wouldn't we want to see those same results in politics and government? By supporting Equal Voice's membership campaign, one day we will."

Joan Weinman

Principal, The Melbourne Group

"Hillary Clinton recently said that 'the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century.' I became a national board member for Equal Voice because I would like to help 'finish the business' of attaining greater gender balance in all levels of government in this country. I not only believe we can ... I believe we must."

Clare Beckton

Executive Director, Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership

"Women are over 50% of our population and their participation is vital to the social and economic fabric of our nation. When women are proportionally represented in our institutions of democracy, all the richness of different perspectives are part of decision- making in our country, resulting in better policies,and programs. Now is the time to act and make equitable representation a reality. "

Fred Sherman

Partner, SEMgroup Public Affairs

"It's really a no-brainer! Better representation means more robust input at decision-making tables. That means better policy outcomes. That's good for Canada."