Women’s coalition pleased with Bell’s win but says more needs to be done

The Coalition for Women in Government has congratulated Hannah Bell on her historic win as the first woman member of the Green Party to be elected to the legislature.

Dawn Wilson, executive director of the coalition, said it is a good day for women in P.E.I.

“Having worked with Hannah Bell on a number of projects, we know that her colleagues in the legislature from all parties will find her willing to collaborate and innovate,’’ Wilson said.

“The Green Party of P.E.I. was the first party ever established on P.E.I. by a woman, Sharon Labchuk. We’re also pleased that the Green Party of P.E.I. now has gender parity in its caucus.”

Jane Ledwell, a board member with the coalition, said as a voter, she was happy to have two women candidates on the ballot.

“I know women’s voices were strong on the doorsteps in our district and that all four candidates, regardless of gender, heard women’s views on issues such as education, mental health services, cosmetic pesticides, and proportional representation,’’ Ledwell said.

Wilson congratulates Melissa Hilton for putting her name forward in the byelection as well and congratulates Hilton, Bob Doiron and Mike Redmond for well-run campaigns.

Following the District 11 byelection the total number of women will make up 18.5 per cent (5 of 27) of the legislature’s seats, which is well below parity and still well below P.E.I.’s historic high of 26 per cent in 2007.

Wilson said in the history of P.E.I., Bell is the 27th woman ever elected as MLA.

“In 144 years, that’s still just enough women to fill the seats of the legislature once. It’s clear women are still significantly under-represented among members of the Legislative Assembly of P.E.I. As the 2019 provincial election approaches, it’s important for political parties to recruit, nominate and support women candidates. Voters will support them at the polls.