Women seek more women in politics

An unabashed display of female power is expected at a by-invitation-only gathering on March 16 planned jointly by representatives of Vancouver's three major civic parties.

Coun. Suzanne Anton of the ruling Non-Partisan Association and Coun. Heather Deal of Vision Vancouver may not see eye to eye on a lot of issues in council, but they are the chairs of the organizing committee. The event, which aims to encourage more women to become involved in politics, will be held at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

Former councillor Ellen Woodsworth of the Coalition of Progressive Electors is a member of the committee.

"Our goal is to get women in the room who many of us would like to see in politics," Anton told the Straight . "There are a lot of women who have the community leadership but don't necessarily take the next step."

Deal said in a separate interview with the Straight that the event is in support of the campaign by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to have women compose 30 percent of municipal councils by 2026. Four of Vancouver's 10 city councillors are women.

"We're saying bring along the people who we think should be here in the future," Deal said, adding that invitees will come from all over the Lower Mainland.

Woodsworth told the Straight that the event will gather "past, present, and future women politicians". The Morris J. Wosk Centre can accommodate about 150 people.

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