Fifteen women named to the first gender-balanced cabinet in Canadian history.
“Because it’s 2015,” explained newly minted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when asked why parity was important to him.
Many Canadians nodded in agreement.
After all, nearly 100 years had passed since women were first granted the right to vote in a federal election. It had been nearly 60 years since the first woman, Ellen Fairclough, was named to the federal Canadian cabinet. And it was more than two decades after, as Prince Edward Island residents will recall, the enlightened era when the top five political roles, including the position of premier (Catherine Callbeck), in that province were filled by women in 1993.
Yes, we had come a long way. Certainly since the day when outspoken Newfoundland and Labrador MP John Crosbie snapped at Liberal MP Sheila Copps to “Just quiet down, baby” in 1985. Which prompted the equally feisty Copps to retort, “I’m nobody’s baby.”
But for women contemplating a plunge into the political arena at any level nowadays, it must still seem like one step forward, two steps back, at times.
Especially for anyone paying attention to some disturbing stories shared by female politicians in just the past two months.
In July, Nova Scotia MP Lenore Zann revealed that she and her office staff started receiving lots of phone calls and Facebook messages from angry men shortly after the Trudeau government introduced a ban on assault-style guns and semi-automatic rifles in the spring.
One person even described her as “a vile creature” and “a worthless piece of s–t” who repeatedly stated that he wanted her “head on a platter.”
More recently, Cape Breton Regional Municipality mayoral candidate Amanda McDougall expressed disappointment upon hearing that some candidates were allegedly using the fact that she is pregnant against her.
“… it’s also quite insulting to be asked questions about whether I will be able to work and be a good mother at the same time,” McDougall told the Cape Breton Post.
This came on the heels of Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton recently writing about the verbal and written abuse she has endured since entering politics four years ago.
Given such vitriol and chauvinism that still exists, maybe It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the percentage of women in provincial, territorial and national legislatures in 2019 was still only 29 per cent. In Atlantic Canada, only Nova Scotia, at 33.3 per cent, exceeded the national average. Prince Edward Island (26 per cent), Newfoundland & Labrador (22.5 per cent) and New Brunswick (22 per cent) were in the bottom half of the pack.
Yes, women have made plenty of political inroads over the years, but the barriers that are making some hesitant to run for office need to be overcome.
We need their voices. We need their wisdom. We need their passion. Because right now, the optimism of 2015 that surrounded women in politics seems like a long time ago.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
