Women urged to run in N.W.T. election

With the Northwest Territories election underway and the nomination period ending Friday, some groups are encouraging women to get more involved in politics.

The recently dissolved territorial legislature had just 3 women out of a total of 19 members, the highest number of female sitting MLAs in the N.W.T. Only 11 women ran in 2003 and just two were elected.

Some organizations are looking to change that.

The Status of Women Council in the N.W.T. is mailing out information packages explaining how and why they should get involved.

"Theres a perception with women that its very expensive to run, that theyll have trouble fundraising," said Lorraine Phaneuf from the council. "They dont have the personal supports behind them to actually run the campaign."

Many also cite family responsibilities as an obstacle, particularly those with young children.

The Status of Women held a campaign camp last fall but of the 37 attendees only one Arlene Hache is running so far. For Phaneuf it would be good to get a fresh perspective in government.

"I know that we have a consensus government but I feel like if we had women in the [legislature] the face of politics would change. Social issues would be at the forefront," she said.

'I was bullied, I got calls at home'

Many also want to see more aboriginal women in politics. Of the 3 female MLAs in the last legislature, none were aboriginal.

Nora Doig placed second in Monfwi riding in 2003 after she was encouraged to run by a local elder.

However, Doig said she faced more than the financial and family pressures.

"I was bullied, I got calls at home," she said. "Theres still that attitude, that perception that women almost have no business in politics."

Marilyn Napier, president of the N.W.T. Native Womens Association, said aboriginal women in small communities may be hesitant to run because they will have to relocate to Yellowknife.

Napier said native women need to get involved in local government through boards and committees before making the jump to territorial politics.

"Know the issues, do the research so that you are able to speak on them," she told CBC News.

Lack of parties means lack of support

However, Graham White, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, said consensus government could be the problem.

"Parties can supply financing and training and encouragement and all kinds of support that may not be possible on an individual basis that one has in consensus government," he said.

Regardless of the challenges, Phaneuf and the Status of Women Council is hoping to increase the number women running in this election.

"I feel that we have a lot of work ahead of us," she said.

Candidates have until 2 p.m. Friday to file nomination papers.