Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc running fewer women than last election
The representation of women and gender-diverse candidates in the upcoming election has seen a significant decrease across three of the major political parties in Canada. According to data from Equal Voice, a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the participation of women in politics, the Liberals, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois have all reduced the number of female candidates running under their banners compared to the previous election.
In the current election, women and gender-diverse candidates make up 35% of the Liberal slate, 22% of the Conservative team, and 39% of the Bloc’s candidates. This marks a sharp decline from the 2021 election, where 43% of Liberal candidates and 47% of Bloc candidates were women or gender-diverse. Lindsay Brumwell, the interim executive director of Equal Voice, expressed concern over this trend, emphasizing the importance of having diverse representation on the ballot to increase the chances of women being elected.
In the 2021 election, a record number of 103 women were elected to the House of Commons, highlighting the progress that has been made in recent years. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, whose party boasts over 50% female candidates, has been vocal in criticizing other parties for their lack of diversity. Singh has emphasized the importance of building a Parliament that reflects the country’s diversity and has made gender parity a priority for the NDP.
While Liberal Leader Mark Carney has committed to achieving gender parity in his cabinet, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has not addressed the issue of female representation within his party. Despite efforts to increase the number of women and gender-diverse candidates in politics, Brumwell stressed that it is not just about meeting quotas but also about recognizing and valuing the leadership of women and gender-diverse individuals.
As Canada-U.S. relations and the cost of living take center stage in the current campaign, Brumwell emphasized the importance of having women and gender-diverse decision-makers involved in addressing these issues. She noted that all issues are women’s issues and that diverse perspectives are essential in finding solutions to complex problems.
Female politicians at all levels have been speaking out about the increasing levels of threats and harassment they face, highlighting the challenges that women in politics continue to encounter. While the reasons for the decline in the number of women running for office are not entirely clear, Brumwell remains optimistic about the future. She noted an increase in the number of women and gender-diverse individuals seeking out Equal Voice’s resources, indicating a growing interest in political engagement.
In conclusion, while the decrease in female representation in the current election is concerning, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in politics must continue. Progress may not always be linear, but organizations like Equal Voice are committed to supporting women and gender-diverse individuals in their political aspirations. By working towards greater representation and inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and diverse political landscape in Canada.
