Cultivating diversity in P.E.I. legislature

Diversity doesn’t just happen — it must be encouraged, supported and fostered in order to be achieved.

We often hear MLAs say they believe our legislature should be more diverse, so we will be watching with interest if they vote in favor of Motion 32.

Minister Paula Biggar brought forth Motion 32 and it is expected to be debated in the spring sitting. Motion 32 proposes to restructure the sitting times of the Legislative Assembly of P.E.I. to encourage more diversity and work/life balance for MLAs. When first proposed, Motion 32 also received strong support from Green MLA Hannah Bell.

The benefits of Motion 32 include:

— Promotes people friendly practices and encourages those with caregiving responsibilities/needs to be able to participate;

— Better work/life balance for MLAs of all genders and MLAs’ experience disability;

— MLAs will have the flexibility to spend time at home or attend evening events in their community;

— MLAs from rural communities will have more time to travel home;

— Will bring P.E.I. in line with other provinces that have moved away from evening hours;

— Benefits staff of the Legislative Assembly of P.E.I.

Myth 1: Motion 32 will decrease accessibility/transparency of the Legislative Assembly of P.E.I. to the public.

In reality:

— Technology has made the House more accessible than ever;

— All proceedings of the House are now webcast and streamed on social media. A full Hansard of proceedings is available online;

— Daytime sitting times will increase transparency and accountability because all sessions will be broadcast live;

— We understand that there may be a desire on occasion to accommodate community members in attending a session of the House. We suggest that for those rare occasions that community organizations or individuals cannot be accommodated during daytime sessions, that a special provision for exceptions be included in the rules.

Myth 2: Motion 32 means MLAs will work shorter hours. In reality:

— Motion 32 proposes restructuring the sitting times to start earlier and end earlier. The number of hours will not be reduced — only restructured;

— Islanders have incredible access to elected officials in comparison to other jurisdictions in Canada;

— Restructuring would allow MLAs living with disabilities to have their disability related needs meet in the evening, such as personal care and would allow them to access specialized transportation when required.

It is important to recognize that politicians have diverse and complex lives like all other members of society. Therefore, it is extremely important that the legislative assembly be a place where all members of society can be represented.

Motion 32 could be a significant factor when Islanders living with disabilities make the important decision to enter into political life.

Managing one’s disability related needs in a comprehensive, holistic approach is fundamental to that decision.

So, if Motion 32 is passed, it will assist in moving us toward a more diverse legislative assembly on P.E.I.