An essential roadmap designed to encourage, equip and empower women to step up and run for political office.
This is a book about women who saw things as they were, knew change was needed, and entered into Canadian politics.
Gleaned from more than 100 hours of interviews, Women on the Ballot offers compelling stories, insights, and advice from 95 Canadian women with diverse backgrounds across all levels of politics and party lines, including Indigenous women in leadership.
Endorsements
Nicole Cooke
Olympic Gold Medalist (Beijing 2008) & World Road Race Gold Medalist (2008)
““Betsy led our MBA class up a mountain in Wales teaching powerful leadership lessons about determination and dealing with factors out of your control. - Qualities she possessed in politics.””
Sharon Wood
First North American woman to summit Mt. Everest
““When Betsy writes about courage, focus and resilience, these are attributes she showed in spades when we climbed together in the Rockies.” ”
Dr. Roberta Bondar
Canada’s First Female Astronaut & The World’s First Neurologist in Space
““With Betsy’s experience in politics and women’s leadership, she’s well equipped to write this book encouraging women to get involved in the political arena to improve our world.””
Hon. Maryam Monsef
Former Canada’s Minister of Status of Women
“Betsy McGregor is an internationally recognized champion of women. Author, advocate and driven change-maker, Betsy is an articulate, charismatic leader committed to human rights and social justice. Based on 95 outstanding trailblazers, her book will challenge us all to see the barriers clearly, focus on the accelerators and transform leadership.”
Charles S Coffey
Former Executive VP Government Affairs & Business Development for RBC
“Betsy McGregor is a remarkable leader: determined, compassionate, articulate and visionary. Her work on ethics in leadership based out of Harvard Medical School, and internationally as founder of the World Women’s Veterinary Association illustrates the unique depth and experience Betsy brings to the many she mentors in Canada and overseas. RBC Royal Bank, my former employer, nominated Betsy for its Distinguished Speaker’s Series to inspire future young women leaders.”
Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell
First Female Prime Minister of Canada
“A book of personal stories profiling women in politics across Canada helps change the perception of power by rendering visible a diverse and inclusive set of role models. It importantly helps change the landscape.”
David Gergen
Director, Centre of Public Leadership, Kennedy School and CNN Political Commentator
“Betsy McGregor was my Fellow at the Kennedy School’s Centre for Public Leadership - an affiliation I thoroughly enjoyed. She explored two themes during her Fellowship; that of ethics in leadership in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School, and the insights of elite athletes and the metaphor of mountain-climbing in understanding leadership theory at the Centre for Public Leadership. She also served on the Women’s Leadership Board at the Kennedy School. Betsy is a real “force to behold”.”
Mayor Nancy Peckford
Former Director Equal Voice & Daughters of the Vote
“This book is a must-read for the next wave of women leaders in Canadian politics. Practical, tactical and filled with insights and advice from 95 trailblazers. Meet women from all walks of life across Canada who have cut a compelling path in politics. Read it. Be inspired. Then - run!”
Laurie Skreslet
First Canadian to Summit Mt. Everest
“Betsy was a team member on an expedition I took to the summit of Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina in 2000 - the highest mountain in North and South America. She is a terrific team member and a strong focused athlete. She is resourceful, seeks solutions and is always positive. She pays attention to detail yet is willing to take calculated risks. Betsy is a natural leader. I would trust her with my life.”
