Justin Trudeau, MPP Lisa MacLeod honoured for work to 'change culture' for female politicians

Equal Voice says the two have been political game changers.

Thestar.com
March 8, 2018
By Kristin Rushowy

One female, one male - one PC, one Liberal. But both, "political game changers."

On International Women's Day, provincial MPP Lisa MacLeod and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were honoured by an organization devoted to boosting the number of females in elected office.

At a ceremony held in downtown Toronto, Equal Voice said MacLeod broke new ground by pushing for change at Queen's Park shortly after she arrived more than a decade ago.

At the time, her daughter was just a toddler and she successfully lobbied for more family-friendly hours at the legislature, saying women "should never have to choose between being a good mom and a good MPP."

MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton) told the crowd she was "shocked … at the lack of support for female politicians with children. I also remember thinking to myself, 'I need to change that.' "

Proceedings began in the afternoon, and went as late as midnight, she said, "there were no change tables in the bathrooms and there were no high chairs in the dining rooms. That's all changed now."

MacLeod - whose husband, mother and now 12-year-old daughter Victoria were in attendance - also spoke of her own struggles with depression, and the importance of mentorship to support women.

Trudeau, who received a "catalyst for change" award for male leaders, was lauded for making gender issues a priority for his government.

While strides have been made, there is still work to be done, he said.

"The gender wage gap is still a national disgrace," Trudeau said, echoing the headline of a Chatelaine magazine from 1982 he recently came across. His government plans to put "pro-actiproactiveity legislation" in place for federally regulated sectors because the wage gap is "just not right."

He said parliament will also be a more welcoming place for MPs who have children, with coming "changes to standing orders so that infants can be cared for by their parent while they're on the floor of the House of Commons. Babies should never be considered strangers in the house."

Gender equality, Trudeau also said, brings a stronger economy, makes stronger communities - but he lamented that there are not enough women MPs. "That's not acceptable; that has to change," he said.

Last week, the federal government unveiled a first-ever "gender equality" budget that includes the pay equity proposal and a new benefit that will encourage both parents to take time off work after having a child.

However, Trudeau has come under some criticism for lack of commitment to child care. While he has noted that last year's budget committed $7 billion over 10 years, critics have said that's less than what the Liberal government promised more than 14 years ago.