Sandy Mayzell

Founder, Dancing Backwards

"Through my project on women and politics, I see how hungry young people are for fairness and equality, and how ready they are to get creatively involved. What they need - what we all need - is the kind of role models and support offered by EV. "

Megan Harris

Columnist, Toronto Sun

"Increased involvement of women in political leadership roles strengthens Canadian democracy."

Dr. Zul Merali

President & CEO, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research

"I am proud to be an Equal Voice Champion because of the strong role women have played in shaping who I am. Women need to bring their voice to the governance of our country. "

Dr. Hedy Fry, MP

Vancouver Centre

"We need more women at all levels of government in order to make better and more balanced public policy decisions. Women still face multiple barriers to running for elected office, and it is important that elected men and women encourage, mentor, and support them."

Clare Beckton

Executive Director, Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership

"Women are over 50% of our population and their participation is vital to the social and economic fabric of our nation. When women are proportionally represented in our institutions of democracy, all the richness of different perspectives are part of decision- making in our country, resulting in better policies,and programs. Now is the time to act and make equitable representation a reality. "

Hon. Lisa Raitt, MP

Halton, Minister of Labour

"Studies have proven that women improve the management and performance of companies. Meaning that we, as women in politics, must also be improving the management and performance of this country. So I will continue to work to ensure there are more women. This is not only an issue of moral or ethical equality - it's just good sense."

Elizabeth May, MP

Saanich-Gulf Islands, Leader, Green Party of Canada

"Why should you join Equal Voice? Do you want your voice to be equal or do you want your voice to be 24% of the male voices that dominate Canada's Parliament? Do you want Canada's Parliament to rank 45th out of 189 countries in terms of representation of women? You should join Equal Voice because you want to be represented, and you are no longer willing to be embarrassed by this country's poor record. Women are needed in Parliament, and only you can get us there. "

Kathleen Monk

Senior Advisor, Broadbent Institute

"Equal Voice challenges women to move beyond exercising influence at the ballot box and supports women in winning seats on the political benches. I’m an Equal Voice champion because I want to see more women winning."

Sarah Onyango

Civic Engagement Advocate

"If we - as women - want to 'be the change' we want to see in our communities and country, we must drive that change by making sure we help get more women - from diverse backgrounds - to the decision-making table at all levels of government. Gender balance in our legislatures and on our city councils is key to the very legitimacy of our democracy. I want to be a part of the change by being an EV Champion. I invite you to join this powerful movement!"

Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell

Canada's 19th Prime Minister

"It makes a difference and Canada is still lagging in this important measure of democracy."