Ontario Makes History with Selection of First Female Speaker
Ottawa, April 14, 2025 –– Equal Voice recognizes a historic moment in Ontario’s political landscape as MPP Donna Skelly is elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly – the first woman to hold this role in the province’s history.
This marks a powerful step forward for gender representation in Canadian politics. The Speaker plays a vital role in upholding democracy and guiding legislative debate, and for the first time, a women will lead in this role in Ontario.
“Today’s announcement is a proud and long-overdue moment for Ontario,” said Lindsay Brumwell, Interim Executive Director of Equal Voice. “Women have long been leaders in their communities, but have too often been underrepresented in the highest decision-making roles. The election of Donna Skelly as Ontario’s first female Speaker breaks new ground and sends a clear message that progress is not only possible – it is happening.”
While this is an important milestone, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still along way to go in achieving equitable and equal representation of women and gender-diverse individuals at all levels of government.
Equal Voice is a national, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing and supporting more women and gender-deserve individuals at all levels of government in Canada. Today’s announcement reinforces the importance of continued advocacy and systemic change to ensure that all political spaces are inclusive, equitable, and representative.
Equal Voice remains committed to working with all political parties and partners to advance gender equity and ensure Canada’s political institutions reflect the diversity of its people.
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About Equal Voice: Equal Voice is a registered charity dedicated to improving gender representation in Canadian politics through research and education. Since 2001, Equal Voice has been at the forefront of advocating for equal representation of women and gender-diverse individuals in Canada's Parliament, provincial and territorial legislatures, and municipal and indigenous councils. Through education, training and leadership development, Equal Voice works to create an equitable and inclusive political system across the country and at all levels of government.
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