New Democrats attract historic number of women candidates

OTTAWA - Jack Layton announced today that Canada’s New Democrats have set the standard in fielding the most women candidates in the 2011 election. Layton proudly declared that 40 per cent of his party’s 308 candidates for this election are women. This is a historic first among Canadian federal parties.

“New Democrat organizers have been working tirelessly in the lead-up to the 2011 election to ensure our caucus better reflects Canadian society and the priorities of all Canadians,” Layton said. “I am committed to getting more women elected to political office and my commitment going forward is that we won’t stop until we reach at least 50 per cent.”

New Democrats have long had policies in place encouraging women to seek the nomination in local ridings and providing the necessary support to candidates once they appear on the ballot.

These initiatives, along with Layton's commitment to engaging more women in politics are the reasons for today’s historic achievement.

“New Democrats are very proud of this record and will work day in and day out to ensure more women candidates are elected,” said Layton. “They will join the largest New Democrat caucus and working together, we will get unprecedented results in our first 100 days.”