Mr. Speaker, despite a record number of women elected to the current Parliament, Canada still ranks poorly internationally when it comes to the representation of women in politics. I would like to point out that Canada ranks behind Afghanistan.
The UN estimates that a critical mass of 30% women is needed in order for them to have an impact on public policy. However, in Canada, we have not yet passed the 25% mark.
There are only so many ways to improve the situation. The political parties have to take measures to encourage the election of women.
The NDP has tools in place, and the results speak for themselves, with 40% of our caucus being women.
Every party should do its part for women's equality, and the Conservative Party should—