How diverse are Edmonton's federal election candidates?
Women and visible minorities are under-represented among candidates in the Edmonton-area for the upcoming federal election, according to analysis from CTV News.
A review of Elections Canada data and websites and social media profiles for 56 candidates shows white men are most likely to be running for office across 10 Edmonton-area ridings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Women candidates are outnumbered by a nearly two-to-one ratio compared to male candidates, with 19 women on ballots compared to 37 men.
“This confirms a reality in Canadian politics, that there is still a gap in terms of representation of women and minorities in the political systems,” said MacEwan University political scientist Chaldeans Mensah.
Most parties had close to a gender-balanced roster of Edmonton candidates.
Among the major parties, the Liberals have four women running and the New Democrats have five.
For a second straight election, all 10 Conservative Party candidates in the listed Edmonton area ridings are men.
Edmonton Griesbach has the most women running with four. There are no women candidates running in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin.
Women make up almost exactly 50 per cent of the population, according to the most recent national census.
“The major challenge for the parties is recruiting, making a concerted effort to recruit women, and putting them in winnable ridings where they can have a chance,” said Mensah.
“All parties have a responsibility to encourage more representation of women in politics.”
Visible minorities are similarly unrepresented among candidates compared to population statistics.
Forty-six of the 56 candidates are white, or about 82 per cent of those running in the 10 Edmonton-area ridings.
Mensah says similar to women, diverse candidates face struggles entering the political process and often draw abuse because of their background.
“That stuff can be very scary,” said Mensah. “It really discourages people from entering politics.”
The NDP has the most non-white Edmonton-area candidates with four, followed by the Liberals and Conservatives with three each.
The census shows about 37 per cent of Edmontonians are a visible minority, including those of Indigenous backgrounds.
“I think there is this kind of widespread agreement that there is value to having diverse voices represented in Parliament,” said Mensah.
“We need to have the political parties be more proactive in recruiting people from diverse backgrounds.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.