Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about gender parity. Political astuteness would tell me to stay away from this subject. However, I would not be myself if I did not wade in where angels fear to tread. First of all, I want to state categorically, for the record, that I would like to see more women in politics. For one thing, it would make our government more representative of the people it serves. I have a little statistic here. It says that Canada may be ranked as the number one country in the world by other measures but, when it comes to representation of women according to the inter-parliamentary union, we are ranked 21st, just between Uganda and another country which I could not catch the name of, probably Uzbekistan or some place. Men and women are different. They bring profoundly different perspectives and approaches to people, processes and problems. I know that no matter how many male-dominated organizations I associate with, I still think, speak and act like a woman.
Over the past few weeks, I have been asked for my opinion on gender parity in territorial ridings. I want to see more women in political office because I know it would affect, as we say, the way we do government. But would I be willing to give up my right to compete with men to get there? I would have to say no. I have been blessed with parents who encouraged and told me I could do anything I put my mind to. I have been blessed with a supportive husband who is willing to do more than his share to allow me to pursue my goals, but I have also worked very hard my whole life to prove that I am equal to any male. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause