The first outreach program of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.

• Author: L'Ecuyer, Charlotte

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (the CWP) is a network that provides the opportunity for its Members to share experiences, discuss topics of interest and seek solutions to the special problems faced by the female minority in Parliaments. The CWP-Canadian Region was established in 2006 and is comprised of women parliamentarians from across Canada. In May 2007, the CWP conducted its first Outreach Program.

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The purpose of the CWP Outreach Program is to increase women's representation in all levels of government. Discussions served to enhance awareness of the roles of parliamentarians and the election process. As Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians--Canada, I led a delegation of CWP members to the first Outreach Program held in Yellowknife from May 1-4, 2007. Other participants included the Honourable Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, MLA, Nova Scotia, Nancy Heppner, MLA, Saskatchewan, Judy Junor, MLA, Saskatchewan, Jane Groenewegen, MLA, and Sandy Lee, MLA, Northwest Territories.

During the program, the delegation met with members of following institutions and organizations:

* Ecole Allain St. Cyr

* St. Patrick High School

* Youth Parliament of the Northwest Territories

* Sir John Franklin High School

* Centre for Northern Families

* Status of Women Council

* YWCA

* Native Women's Association

The delegation also had the opportunity to discuss the CWP outreach program and the importance of women's representation in politics with:

* the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Anthony W. J. Whitford

* the Speaker of the NWT Legislature, Paul Delorey

* the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Charles Dent

In addition to its numerous meetings, the delegation participated in the Youth Parliament Program at the Legislative Assembly.

There was significant discussion on the political landscape in Canada and internationally, the political situation in the Northwest Territories, barriers that exist for women who wish to enter politics and the importance of engagement in politics and public service as well as, the the role and objectives of the CWP-Canada Region. The aims and objectives of the CWP include:

* to provide opportunities for strategic discussion and development for future and present parliamentarians;

* to increase female representation in our Parliaments;

* to foster closer relationships between women parliamentarians in all Branches of the Region;

* to foster relations with other countries having close...