Diversity in NDP Candidates - Member's Statement

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

INTL. DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD: NDP CANDIDATES, DIVERSITY - RECOG.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, on the International Day of the Girl Child, I would like to acknowledge the work of our colleagues in the federal New Democratic Party. The slate of candidates running as New Democrats in this election is the most diverse of any Party: 49 per cent are women, 24 per cent are racialized, 12 per cent identify as LGBTQ+, 8 per cent are Indigenous, 12 per cent are youth, and 5 per cent are living with disabilities. Girls across the country can look to the candidates we have put forward as inspirations for their own bright futures.

In an interview, Manitoba NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine called the Legislature a "profoundly white male space." Our caucus is committed to changing that situation, which has been accepted for far too long.

Along with our colleagues in this House, we are holding space for all girls. We are fighting for all girls. We look forward to the day when they take their seats beside us.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clayton Park West.