Politics is typically known as an old man’s game, but there are many women who are pushing that old standard to the side. In the 42nd Canadian parliament, there is a record number of sitting female Members of Parliament (MP), 91 currently sitting in the House of Commons (HOC).
Although parliament has a long way to go in achieving gender equity, there are many women involved in politics now that are paving a way for future women. But who are these women involved and what is it that they have accomplished? Below are three women who I believe have taken great strides in their career of politics this past year.
- Katie Telford
Katie Telford is a canadian political stargerist and currently serves as the chief of staff to the prime minister, Justin Trudeau. Sarah Boesveld of Chatelaine states that Katie Telford is, “one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s closest advisors, a masterful political strategist and a key driver behind the Liberals’ push for gender equality”.
Before her current position she served as Trudeau’s campaign advisor for the 2015 election. She is known for implementing innovative campaign techniques that contributed to the Trudeau’s success in the 2015 election. Before her career, Telford went to University of Ottawa where she received her honours degree in political science with a minor in history.
- Michelle Rempel
Michelle Rempel currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Nose Hill. Throughout her career in government she has held several positions such as Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment. She was the first youngest female in cabinet minister as of 2014.
Along with her current title, Rempel is also the Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Not only that, but she is the Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Remepl has a long list of accomplishments including landing a spot on Calgary’s list of “Top 40 under 40” in 2014.
- Niki Ashton
Niki Ashton is a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and serves as a Member of Parliament for Churchill since she was 22 years old. Raised by immigrants, Niki Ashton has devoted her work to serving social, economic and environmental justice. Her dedication to work is evident throughout her career, most notably in 2017, where Ashton was the only female to run for the NPD leader and did so while pregnant.
Niki continually fights for equality for all people regardless of their background. According to the Huffington Post, Ashton has proven to be a vital member of the New Democrat Caucus in Parliament, “having served as critic for Aboriginal Affairs, Status of Women, Post-Secondary Education, and Youth, and most recently, as the critic for Jobs, Employment, and Workforce Development.” With her hard work and determination, she hopes to create a more progressive Canada.
