January 26, OTTAWA — Yesterday, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Kitchener Centre, Laura Mae Lindo announced her decision to resign her seat in the Ontario legislature as of June, 2023. The MPP’s reason for her resignation is one that too many women across all sectors face. It reminds us that our legislative houses are also places where women and diverse people face systemic barriers.
“For centuries, we’ve been governed by institutions that were designed by men,” states Chi Nguyen, Executive Director of Equal Voice. “It is time for systemic change that breaks down the barriers for these capable, talented women,” said Nguyen. “If we want our legislatures to be more representative and to ensure that all elected officials can carry out their duties, we need to ensure that more inclusive resources are available. Parental and caregiving support are critical infrastructure for legislators, particularly women who are disproportionately expected to carry the caregiving load,” Chi concluded.
Equal Voice calls on all levels of government to provide office holders the support they need to succeed in their workplace, and to create a political environment conducive to effectively recruiting and retaining women in politics.
Nguyen is available for interviews upon request.
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Founded in 2001, Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada.
For media interviews, please contact: Barbara Barrett 343-998-8906 [email protected]