Inspired by Kathleen Wynne, Nunavut minister urges more women to enter politics

More women in Nunavut need to run for political office, Monica Ell, minister responsible for Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, said after Kathleen Wynne became premier of Ontario by winning the leadership of the provincial Liberal party Jan. 27.

Eighty-seven per cent of Canadians now have a female premier leading their province or territory, and six premiers are women.

“I’m not saying that men and women are not equal in any way, it’s just that they bring a different perspective and more balance and diversity to the table,” she said.

There are three women holding office at the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, and of 25 communities in Nunavut, five have female mayors.

“I think it would be good to have more women in politics either as council members or as mayors, or as MLAS,” Ell said.

Wynne’s successful election “was an encouragement for more women and I think they should be inspired… I was inspired to release a statement to encourage more women to run for politics,” the minister said.

More women in politics could bring their life experiences “to an arena that is very largely male-dominated,” Ell said.

Women are already deeply involved in their community but for many reasons, do not run for elected office which is a great loss to the entire population, she said.