Elizabeth Weir

Research Fellow in Residence, University of New Brunswick

". . . because it’s taken too damn long!"

Amanda Nielsen

President, Athabasca University Graduate Students' Association

"I am proud to call myself an Equal Voice Champion because, with the Canadian Parliament consisting of just 25% elected women and the Alberta Legislature consisting of just 26% elected women, our organization still needs to exist. Until we work ourselves out of a job by seeing more elected woman to all levels of Canadian government, Equal Voice matters."

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. "

Vicky Smallman

Director, Women's & Human Rights, Canadian Labour Congress

"As a longtime member, I am proud to help build EV's membership so women can work together to confront our common challenges. A critical mass will make a difference for women's equality and I'm committed to helping us get there."

Alanna Newman

Equal Voice Toronto Co-Chair

"We need to engage more women of all ages in the political process, and help them develop the skills and network they need to succeed. Girls interested in politics deserve strong role models. Quite simply, I want more little girls aspire to be Mayors, Premiers, and Prime Ministers. "

Kerry Patterson-Baker

Product and Partner Communications MBNA, a division of TD Bank Group

"Women remain stubbornly under-represented in Canada’s boardrooms and legislatures. I have long supported initiatives that work to remove the obstacles that limit a woman’s ability to take their rightful place as leaders and decision makers. This campaign illustrates the ways in which we can all move this important objective forward: BE her, SUPPORT her, CELEBRATE her. I hope you will help."

Anita Vandenbeld

International Consultant, Inclusive political participation and parliamentary development

"When a woman runs for office, she learns certain lessons. Why should every woman learn them from scratch? Together we can build on each others' experiences and get much further ahead"

Anne McGrath

National Director of the New Democratic Party, the Official Opposition

"Women's participation and leadership is fundamental to our democracy. It's not always easy but more women in politics gives us the potential and possibility of the best possible contribution to progress in society."

Avril Benoit

Humanitarian Aid Worker

"Canadians are in no position to hector others on their discriminatory practices against women unless we show, through the meaningful representation of our elected officials, that women have a role in decision-making for the greater good. "

Nicole Loreto

Vice-President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, The Royal Ottawa

"We need to bring gender balance to all levels of government. EV is a national organization that can help create that parity"