Person's Day a Reminder Still Much to be Done

OTTAWA – The 80th anniversary of the court case where women were finally recognized as persons under the law is an important landmark, but there is still a lot of work to be done for women to equally participate in Canadian politics, according to New Democrat MP Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe).

“Women have come a long way since 1929, but we have not come far enough,” said Mathyssen. “Sadly, in this parliament only 22.3% of elected representatives are women. That is not enough representation for 51% of our population.”

Public policy impacts men and women differently; equality therefore demands equal representation in decision-making and in public affairs.

This Minister responsible for Status of Women is in denial of the challenges women face in this country, according to Mathyssen who cited the Minister’s decision to use women’s history month to focus on women in winter sports.

“While celebrating our athletes is important, the violence women face, poverty and lack of equality haunt many women across this country,” said Mathyssen. “Women’s history month also needs to be used to raise awareness of the equality issues that still plague women today.”

New Democrats will continue to work to ensure that women’s voices are heard more consistently.

“We have not come far enough. We will not stand still until equality is achieved and many more women can refer to the decision secured 80 years ago to take their rightful place in the political life of our Nation,” said Mathyssen.