Women in Leadership conference a 'template for others to follow'
While women make up 51 per cent of the population in Canada, only 30 per cent are represented in elected roles.
Former Ontario Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott delivered the Keynote address Saturday at a unique event.
“Is there anything like this anywhere else in Ontario? Nothing that I've heard of. So I think you may be the pilot, the template for others to follow,” she said.
The Women in Leadership conference held in south London brought together influential women leaders to inspire more to take up the cause.
“We're here to encourage women to look at themselves as leaders and possibly consider taking that next step,” said former St. Thomas Councillor and Founder of the Jean Collective Helen Cole. “So, we have quite a bit of work to do. What I learned is that women often think they don't know enough or they don't feel confident enough. So I'm hoping to change that.”
Lucan Mayor and Middlesex County Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said taking that first step toward elected office is the most difficult.
“I think women put up their own barriers. They always say they always find a reason not to, ‘Well, I can't because I'm doing this. I have, you know, responsibilities with my children, with the parents that I'm having to look after, with my job.’”
Burghardt-Jesson understands the pressures of not only getting into politics, but serving for a long period of time. She has also seen why it is important to have that representation.
“It's all about diversity at the governance table or at any table that is doing things in your community. We have to make sure that there are voices that represent your community,” said Burghardt-Jesson. “So women need to be represented. Those of color need to be represented. Those of different faiths need to be represented. And so we're going to start by trying to encourage women to do that.”
Saturday's event kicks off the Collective's 2023 program, with a weekly series beginning on Oct. 3, and workshops for those interested in how to work towards elected office starting in the new year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.