Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, five years ago on International Women's Day, there were only two women in this House, myself and Premier Cochrane. We put forward a motion that day that set ambitious goals for increasing women's representation in this House. A special Assembly committee held public hearings in ten communities to hear why women's voices mattered and document the barriers that prevented women from running.
The interim report released a year later identified a variety of barriers from colonization that marginalizes Indigenous women's leadership to being away from home for weeks at a time and the cost of paying for campaigns. The report recommended important changes, including allowing caregivers to be reimbursed for workrelated child care and making this building itself more family friendly. The final report set a goal of four women to be elected in 2019. We were all surprised when nine Members were elected that year and one more in 2021. Mission accomplished. Or is it?
As discussion ramps up about the next territorial election, I am concerned that while we've removed some barriers, others have appeared. There have been several high-profile resignations by women leaders in the last month. They have pointed to the toxic public discussion of politics as one reason to leave, along with burnout. The most recent resignation, and closest to home, is by Melanie Mark, the first Indigenous woman MLA and minister in the British Columbia legislature. She said working in the House was torture, and she wouldn't miss the character assassination she endured there.
Mr. Speaker, we too have a toxic strain to our politics that may deter women in the NWT from running. They may decide not to step into a difficult job made harder by attacks, particularly in social media. I am not talking about the usual cut and thrust of debate but about words that demean people and question their integrity. We can provide all the child care we want but who would want their reputation shredded in this new career that already demands so many sacrifices?
Mr. Speaker, we must continue overcoming barriers. The contributions made by women in the political arena are essential to decisionmaking that has positive change for residents. We need to ensure women's voices are heard and their ideas help shape the next Assembly as they have this one. Despite the obstacles, I encourage women to be champions for change and run for public office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
