Burnaby MP Kennedy Stewart wants to put a price on sexism in politics.
The self-avowed feminist has tabled a new act in the House of Commons that would financially penalize parties that don’t have enough female candidates.
“Despite electing a record number of 88 female MPs in 2015, women still hold only 26 per cent of the seats in the House of Commons,” Stewart said in a press release. “While more than enough women come forward to run for office, the real problem is that political parties do not ensure gender equity in their nomination processes. Without new measures, it is unlikely Canada will achieve parity until 2075.”
Stewart is proposing that any party that doesn’t have at least 45 per cent female candidates in its ranks would lose 10 per of the public subsidies that cover election expenses. Under the current rules, candidates are eligible for rebates covering up to half of their expenses.
The NOW couldn’t reach Stewart for further comment.
