FROM EQUAL VOICE: A MULTI-PARTISAN ADVOCACY GROUP FOR THE ELECTION OF MORE WOMEN

We are pleased the government is offering an opportunity for public discussion of reforms that, among other things, could help more women get elected in Ontario.

The Ontario Legislature reflects the imbalance at every level of government in the country—women make up only 21 per cent of its members.

Equal Voice is urging the government to make redressing the under-representation of women a priority.

We know the public agrees.

In a recent poll for the Centre for Research and Information on Canada, nine out of ten Canadians, and nine out of 10 Ontarians, supported increasing the number of elected women in office. Electing more women was their top choice for the change most needed for a well-functioning political system. (For the full poll, see www.cric.ca )

We have been assured that women’s representation is on the McGuinty government’s agenda for democratic renewal. We are asking that priority be clearly stated by the Premier, and written into whatever terms of reference are adopted. Otherwise, we fear that once again, women’s representation will go on the back burner.

A combination of measures are required to give women an equal chance at political office:

(1) Election financing reform to lower the money barrier which discourages women from running.

(2) Reform of the electoral system to introduce an element of proportional representation which more fairly reflects the actual makeup of the population.

(3) Voluntary action by the political parties to nominate more women. The Legislature could require parties to report annually on progress being made.

These reforms would create a more representative Legislature for all Ontarians. We urge the political parties to work together to achieve the goal of fair representation of women.

Rosemary Speirs, chair Equal Voice, 905-509-2777, or cell 416-577-2777, rosespeirs2@sympatico.ca. See our website www.equalvoice.ca for the multi-party membership of our Steering Committee.
Or executive members: Janet Ecker 416-981-9430, Frances Lankin, 416 777-2001, Kim Donaldson 416-979-1115.