Election brings Winnipeg city council closer to gender parity

Finally, we did it! I'm so happy! Jasmine Brar celebrated with her supporters at her campaign headquarters on election night. The incoming councillor for Waverley West is one of seven women joining city council. That's the highest number since at least the amalgamation of Unicity in 1972. My team and I have worked so hard. And Waverly West has spoken, and I'm so happy and so thankful to each and every voter from Waverly West who voted for us or who even didn't vote for me. With 7 out of 15 seats going to women, it's also the closest to gender parity council has ever been. And I'm so energized and honored to be the next city councillor for Transcona. Thank you so much. Laura Mazeman defeated incumbent Russ Wyatt to become the new councillor for Transcona. Speaking at her home the next day, Maisman said it's about time. It's very exciting and I think it will bring fresh perspective to City Council and a new outlook. Emma Durand-Wood is one of the incumbent candidates returning to Council. Diversity in general is really important, but everybody who comes brings a different perspective. We really, really need women's voices represented in our decision makers. So, you know, Our lives are different and so our perspectives are really important. Mayor Scott Gillingham says having more women on council is good for the city. I'm really glad to see that. I think we've made improvements in 2022 and now we're very close to gender parity and I think that's important for democracy and for our council. But Laurel Gillespie of advocacy group Equal Voices says women still face many barriers to entering politics. When it comes to municipal elections, what stands in the way are money because you're not backed by a political party. So it's expensive to run a campaign. The time it takes to commit to it and then your caregiving responsibilities. The new council will be sworn in at the inaugural meeting on November 3rd. Cameron McLean, CBC News, Winnipeg.