Women poised for historic place at cabinet table (in Canada)

[uawchild]

OTTAWA—Justin Trudeau’s first cabinet promises to make history.

If the prime minister-designate makes good on his vow, his cabinet to be unveiled on Nov. 4 will be the first ever to have an equal number of men and women. Women have made inroads in Parliament, slowly at times, but never has a cabinet truly reflected the gender makeup of Canada — until now.

“It’s an important signal to the country, to women in his caucus that he understands and appreciates the varying life perspectives, talents, expertise that women . . . are bringing to the table,” said Nancy Peckford, a spokesperson for Equal Voice, an organization dedicated to electing more women. The commitment was made even before the election campaign got underway when Trudeau unveiled the Liberal platform for a “fair and open government” in June. Among its many pledges was a vow that a Liberal cabinet would have an equal number of men and women.
...
The reaction that sparked on social media wasn’t entirely positive as some accused the Liberal leader of putting gender ahead of talent as the primary consideration for a cabinet post.

“Here's a crazy idea — pick the best candidates for the job, regardless of gender,” said one Twitter user.
“@JustinTrudeau gender, race, colour shouldn't be a factor, what happened to skills and experience #notsmart,” said another.
“So instead of the best candidates you'll place them by gender? Not what we need. No thank you.”

But with 50 women elected to the Liberal benches Monday, Trudeau’s pledge of parity doesn’t have to come at the expense of skill, Peckford said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/10/24/women-poised-for-historic-place-at-cabinet-table.html

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Wow. What a radical idea, eh? /sarcasm

It's past time for politicians to claim they are simply picking the best people when they overload appointments like this with old white men.

[bemildred]

1. Long overdue. nt