Percentage of Women in PEI Cabinet Lowest in Canada
Cabinet Data
Following Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony for PEI’s Premier and Executive Council, the Coalition for Women in Government can confirm that PEI ranks last in Canada regarding gender representation in cabinet.
Following Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony for PEI’s Premier and Executive Council, the Coalition for Women in Government can confirm that PEI ranks last in Canada regarding gender representation in cabinet. The current cabinet includes one woman, among 9 cabinet positions (11 percent). Dawn Wilson, Executive Director of the PEI Coalition for Women, says “We’re pleased that Darlene Compton was included in cabinet appointments. The Coalition wishes her well as Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.”
Wilson notes, “All MLAs regardless of their gender have a responsibility to ensure that gender and diversity is taken into consider when making decisions on behalf of all Islanders. Going forward the Coalition encourages the government to consider gender and diversity among Deputy Minister positions. We also strongly urge the government to apply gender and diversity analysis to decision-making. Most importantly, government will need to engage women’s organizations in meaningful consultation to ensure the voices and experiences of women are considered.”
Wilson concludes, “The underrepresentation of women in cabinet speaks to a larger issue, which is the underrepresentation of women nominated and elected to the Legislative Assembly of PEI. Although there was a small increase in the number of women elected in 2019 more work needs to be done by parties to recruit, nominate, and run women candidates in districts where the party is strong and competitive. This work needs to start immediately, so by the next election the situation has changed.”