Status of Women committee  There's no question that politicians are not the most respected of individuals at the moment. I don't think I'm telling you anything you don't know. I have great respect for politicians, but even in my own family, in my extended family, when we sit around and talk about politicians, that is not something we have....

Status of Women committee  On a gender basis or just generally about politicians?

Status of Women committee  Absolutely. You just have to read the work of Dr. Linda Trimble. She just wrote a fascinating book called Ms. Prime Minister. In it she looks at different women and how the media have treated those different prime ministers who are women. So yes, absolutely.

Status of Women committee  Or said “male” Prime Minister.

Status of Women committee  One of them is definitely that if you impose a quota, without question it sends an important message as to the importance of gender equity and makes it clear that the government is committed to this particular issue. I would also say quotas don't have to last forever. They could be short-lived depending on how effective they become and how quickly they become effective.

Status of Women committee  If we looked at gender equity in nominations, say, my worry would be that you might get women put onto the slate without really any recognition. I think where it needs to be is in the number of candidates who are actually put forward and running in the election. Because it's a kind of winner-take-all system, it seems to me that's where that really needs to be in place in order for it to have some kind of impact, and a real impact.

Status of Women committee  First, tackle the difference in the levels. Much of the research I've seen is basically saying that it's easier for women to stay close to home, and that's partly because they have responsibilities, and responsibilities that they can't rely on their partners to take care of to the same degree men can.

Status of Women committee  Certainly the Elections Act and party financing would be ways in which you could implement a quota. That would be my recommendation.

Status of Women committee  Thank you. First, I have a word of thanks. Thank you for inviting me to speak today in my capacity as an academic conducting research on the subject of women in politics. For many years, I've been encouraged by the fact that this committee has been studying this very important issue in Canadian politics.