Women Win One-Quarter of Seats in Newly Elected House of Commons May 3rd, 2011

Women Win One-Quarter of Seats in Newly Elected House of Commons May 3rd, 2011

Ottawa: Canadians will welcome 76 women to the House of Commons when it re-convenes later this month, an increase of eight from the last Parliament. With last night's election results, women now make up 25 percent of Canada's Members of Parliament, a notable increase over the 22 percent representation in the 40th Parliament.

The New Democratic Party leads the way with 40 women elected, or 39 percent of its successful candidates. The Bloc Québécois elected one woman of the four remaining BQ Members in the province. Women in the Conservative and Liberal caucuses comprise 17 and 18 percent, respectively. For the Conservative Party, this represents 28 women elected. For the Liberal Party, it is a total of 6.

Further, the Green Party made history in electing Elizabeth May, its national leader, who will now serve as the sole female leader in addition to being the only elected Green Party member in the House.


"Equal Voice is pleased to see that women now constitute a quarter of all federal Members of Parliament. This is a historic high. In fact, it is the single largest increase Canada has seen in over a decade," said Donna Dasko, National Chair.

"It signifies that Canada is moving forward," noted Dasko.

Canada now ranks in the top 40 countries in terms of women's representation in national Parliaments.

"Although only 17 percent of the Conservative caucus is women, we urge Prime Minister Harper to maintain his commitment to appointing a cabinet with strong female representation," added Nancy Peckford, Executive Director.

Equal Voice takes the opportunity to applaud all of the women who ran in this federal election.

"It takes a tremendous commitment to the democratic process, considerable tenacity and significant work to stand for election. No one should unde-restimate the sacrifice that women make to put themselves forward," said Peckford.

"While twenty-five percent is a significant achievement, Equal Voice is working towards the day when women comprise a minimum of one third of the House, " underscored Vicky Smallman who oversaw EV's candidate tracking.

Equal Voice will be releasing more detailed breakdowns throughout the day. 
National results (# of women elected of total seats - by party)




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For more information:

Nancy Peckford, Executive Director, Equal Voice - 613-292-7941 or npeckford@equalvoice.ca

Donna Dasko, National Chair - 416-920-9010 or ddasko@environics.ca