This release was issued under a previous government.

Daughters of the Vote

Daughters of the Vote delegates

Hard-working, ambitious young women from Alberta’s federal ridings are visiting the legislature today for an all-day meeting on women’s political leadership.

“It’s more important than ever to encourage women to get involved in politics and let their voices be heard. These passionate women are visionaries for the future of Alberta and our country. They are already making their communities better places to live, and I’m proud to welcome them today.”

Stephanie McLean, Minister of Status of Women

Daughters of the Vote is an initiative of Equal Voice Canada - a national, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of government. Delegates from across the country will meet in Ottawa March 7-8 to mark a century of women’s suffrage and celebrate International Women’s Day.

“The quality of more than 240 applications from young women in Alberta demonstrates that many are eager to cultivate their leadership skills and actively participate in the political process.”

Nancy Peckford, Executive Director, Equal Voice Canada

Quick facts

Only 16 per cent – five out of 32 -- of Alberta’s Members of Parliament are women. Nationally, 26 per cent of Canadian parliamentarians are women.

In the 2013 municipal elections, women were elected to 490 of 1,874 positions – an average of 26 per cent:

  • eight per cent in special areas
  • 11 per cent in improvement districts
  • 17 per cent in municipal districts
  • 18 per cent in cities
  • 20 per cent in summer villages
  • 31 per cent in villages
  • 32 per cent in specialized municipalities
  • 32 per cent in towns

Listen to the news conference