Women make up 30 percent of Federal cabinet

Women Comprise Thirty Percent of Federal Cabinet

Ottawa: Equal Voice applauds the appointment of four additional women to the federal cabinet and the promotion of several previously elected women.

A historic number of twelve women will now sit at the cabinet table, comprising just over 30 percent of the 39 cabinet seats.

“Clearly, there is no turning back now for women in politics. At a time when the private and public sectors across the globe are recognizing the value of having a critical mass of women serving on corporate boards and public agencies, to see a federal cabinet with increased women’s representation is very encouraging,” said Raylene Lang-Dion, EV’s National Chair.

Although women comprise 17 percent of the Conservative caucus, an impressive number of these women have gained the confidence of the Prime Minister.

“This builds on the momentum already being generated by Canada’s female premiers who are approximately 50 percent of the First Ministers’ table,” added Nancy Peckford, Equal Voice’s Executive Director. “It’s up to us now to seize the moment and encourage more women to get their names on the ballot.”

The following women who had previously been appointed to cabinet were given new assignments:

– Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport

– Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health

– Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Artic Council

– Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

– Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services

– Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue

– Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)

– Alice Wong remains Minister of State (Seniors)

The following four women were newly appointed to the cabinet ranks:

– Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

– Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

– Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)

– Michelle Rempel, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification)

The number of women now sitting around the cabinet table (12) represents a historic first for Canada. Prime Minister Harper has appointed 18 women over his 7 years in office.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien appointed 16 women over the course of a decade, though no more than approximately 10 served at one time. Prime Minister Martin appointed 12 women to cabinet during his three years in office though not all of those served at one time.

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney also appointed 11 women over his 9 years in office, including the first female Minister of National Defense and the the first female Minister of International Trade which were groundbreaking appointments that have rarely been occupied by women since.

Equal Voice’s is a national, multi-partisan organization dedicated to the election of women. EV’s new campaign, Be Her. Support Her. Celebrate Her. aims to encourage and equip thousands of more women to become engaged in the political process through seeking elected office or supporting another woman to do so.

A complete list of female federal cabinet Ministers who have ever served in Canada can be found here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/FederalGovernment/WomenMinistry.aspx