Canada’s leading organization on supporting women in politics is promising to keep track of the Ontario election, including four Newmarket and Aurora women candidates vying for seats.
Equal Voice announced the launch of its Ontario election tracker Feb. 25, providing a real-time resource to track all women and gender-diverse candidates running in the election Feb. 27. With 768 candidates from seven political parties, the organization said 32.2 per cent of candidates are women.
In Newmarket-Aurora, two of six candidates are women, while that figure is two of five in Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill.
“As Ontario’s political landscape evolves, it’s critical that women and gender-diverse candidates are seen as viable, sought-after political leaders. Their skills, expertise, and perspectives not only reflect the priorities of voters but also strengthen representative democracy,” Equal Voice said in a news release.
The area’s women candidates include incumbent Conservative Dawn Gallagher Murphy and New Blue candidate Shirin Khasbakhi for Newmarket-Aurora. In neighbouring Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, women candidates include Naila Saeed and New Blue Rosaria Wiseman.
Ontario has consistently elected more than 36 per cent women members in recent years, the organization said. In 2022, 47 women were elected, representing 37.9 per cent of the legislature. Equal Voice said it will track the 2025 election to see if the trend continues.
The organization encouraged others to volunteer for campaigns, donate and make a plan to vote Feb. 27, regardless of political affiliation.
You can find more information and explore the tracker at equalvoice.ca.