The Saskatchewan Equal Voice chapter’s inaugural event “Increasing the Volume – what it takes to be heard in a gender imbalanced government” – captivated over 100 men and women yesterday afternoon at the Saskatoon City Hospital. Panelists Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Ms. Penny Priddy, and Ms. Michelle Rempel discussed why Canada needs women involved in all levels of politics and what Saskatchewan’s Equal Voice chapter can learn from their own personal experiences in politics.
True to Equal Voice’s multi-partisan nature, panelists differed in their political
affiliations and partisan views, but all unanimously stressed the importance of having gender-balanced governments and political parties to lead and shape public policy.
The group answered a variety of questions posed to them throughout the afternoon on subjects such as family-friendly hours in parliament, and debunking the myth that “women’s issues” and “men’s issues” are different. Each panelist offered their
perspective on how they view the political landscape and what lessons they have learned along their careers. It was clear however, that all panelists ran in their respective elections as candidates who were going after the win – and they stressed they weren’t elected as women, but as candidates.
When asked what Equal Voice Saskatchewan can do at the local level to help activate its cause, the responses varied from increasing awareness with the general public, to setting up mentorship programs and helping prepare new female candidates for the challenges they will encounter when running for office.
“We heard a number of different ideas that our Equal Voice Saskatchewan chapter can act on in the short-term as well as the long-term,” says Danielle Chartier, co-chair of Equal Voice Saskatchewan. “We will use the energy from this event to build on and continue to grow our foundation of support in Saskatchewan.”
“Attendees were also asked to complete a short questionnaire on where they want to see the chapter focus its efforts,” explains Monica Lysack, co-chair of Equal Voice
Saskatchewan. “With this knowledge, the executive committee can craft a long-term plan and set realistic goals.”
“Increasing the Volume” was sponsored by: Cameco Corporation, McDougall Gauley LLP, Cherry Insurance, Gryphon Reputation Management, Saskatoon Health Region, Debra Marshall Photography and Mister Print/ Print West.
For more information, please contact:
Chris D. Guérette, VP Communications
Equal Voice – Saskatchewan ::: À voix égales – Saskatchewan
306.384.3330 chris.d.guerette@gmail.com
http://www.equalvoice.ca http://www.facebook.com/ev.sask
Equal Voice - À voix égales 