Women are systematically and dramatically under-represented in Alberta’s political system, which is characterized by a low percentage of women running for office, a low proportion of women in the legislature and cabinet, and an overall serious imbalance in political power according to gender. Other provinces and countries have developed a wide range of approaches to deal with these concerns, which require a comprehensive approach. A high-profile, well-supported commission with a clear mandate to develop recommendations for systematic reform would provide a firm foundation for further action. 

The Problems:

Canada does not do well in international comparisons in terms of gender equity in the political system, and Alberta does poorly even in Canadian terms. While women account for 47% of parliamentary representatives in Sweden, 39% in Costa Rica, 38% in Finland and Norway and 37% in Denmark and Belgium, in Canada the figure is 21% and the figure for the Alberta legislature is 16%.

The problems go well beyond inadequate legislative representation. Similar figures apply to cabinet representation (only four out of 22 ministers in Alberta), reflecting a deep and pervasive imbalance in power and influence that permeates the system.

These problems are compounded by the absence of systematic programs or even a clear commitment by government to remedying the situation, and a lack of support for individuals and groups working to bring about change.

The Changes Needed:

The problems are so fundamental and pervasive in nature that a piecemeal and incremental approach is unlikely to accomplish much, and will probably only prolong the current unacceptable situation.

What is needed is an approach that is multi-faceted and widely based, in order to develop a systematic and comprehensive approach to promoting gender equity across our political system that addresses the full range of barriers to participation, engagement, equity and parity.

Such goals are best accomplished by a high-profile, well-resourced and multi-partisan commission with a clear mandate to examine what is done in other provinces and countries, and to recommend a comprehensive program to address the full range of gender and equity issues and concerns in Alberta’s political system. The commission’s work should include consideration of the following points:

• Improved approaches to representational parity in the legislative assembly, including  electoral reform
• The potential role of political parties in fostering improvements leading to gender parity in their organizations
• Creating conditions in the legislative assembly that facilitate participation by females
• Establishing a gender advisory committee to review new program and policy proposals from a gender perspective, and to prepare an annual report on the effects of program, policy and budget decisions in terms of gender
• Preparation of an annual report which documents the degree to which there is progress on aspects of gender parity in the political system
• Ensuring that overall appointments to government agencies, boards, committees and other organizations should reflect the gender balance of the province
• Dealing effectively with issues related to child care and political engagement

Comments from the PIA Democracy Forums:

• We need to make gender equality in politics a priority, and find approaches that are more appealing to women
• We need to make this an important element of education and curriculum
• We need to find out more about why women are not participating, and design policies accordingly
• We need effective supports in order to empower marginalized individuals and groups
• There is a point at which our attempts to ensure fair treatment of women and minorities can actually lead to unfair situations
• Parties need to ensure funding for female candidates in nomination races
• We need affordable, universal daycare
• Be on the lookout for tokenism

PIA advocates six steps to promote democratic renewal in Alberta:

1. Institute comprehensive reform of electoral and political party financing

2. Abolish the Public Affairs Bureau and replace it with a system that is more open and non-partisan

3. Initiate a Citizens' Assembly to make recommendations on proportional representation

4. Strengthen the role of the Legislature and MLAs by further increasing the power of and support for legislative committees and officers

5. Create a high-profile Commission on Gender and Democracy to develop a comprehensive approach to achieving gender equity in our political system

6. Require a more open, thorough and effective approach to public consultation on issues of public policy development