Media: McGregor's book a glossy, exciting, how-to manual for women in politics
Originally published in The Hill Times, on September 30, 2019.
By Andrew Cardozo, The Pearson Centre
'Imagine being at a gala of over 95 fascinating women in politics in Canada who want to give you their insights. That is the essence of this book,' says author Betsy McGregor. Photograph courtesy of Betsy McGregor
OTTAWA—“Imagine being at a gala of over 95 fascinating women in politics in Canada who want to give you their insights. That is the essence of this book,” says author Betsy McGregor.
As the election 2019 gets underway, this is an insightful, informative, and exciting book on women in politics, full of background on these 95 women and, more importantly, on their reflections about running for public office. And what’s unique is the diversity of women and the fact there are winners as well as those who took the plunge and did not win. There are lots of lessons learned here.
You will recognize many well-known trail-blazers and you will learn about others. Remember when we had premiers like Eva Ariak, Kathy Dunderdale, Christy Clark, Allison Redford, Rachel Notley, Kathleen Wynne and Pauline Marois? There are others, including Lisa Raitt, Catherine McKenna, Michelle Rempel, Elizabeth May, Celina Caesar-Chevannes, and Hazel McCallion and yet others who tried, like Sharmila Setaram, Rana Bokhari and Jeanette Chau.
Why did McGregor write this book?
To inspire, to encourage women to “put their name on the ballot,” through the stories of 95 leaders.
Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power, by Besty McGregor, Rubicon Publishing, $34.95.
To equip: with practical roadmaps, tips, and lessons learned so women can learn from others, avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their success
To empower: “If you can see her; you can be her,” says McGregor. To empower women, especially those who might never have considered running for office, to undertake the journey by tapping into the experience, insights and advice of women who have gone ahead.
It is a how-to manual, that looks a lot more interesting than a manual. It’s also a great coffee-table book, rich in concise write-ups and pictures.
It’s a must-read for women who are interested in politics, and also for men, for media and for political parties to see and recognize the many strong women who have contributed so much to politics and government in Canada.
Full disclosure, the Pearson Centre has hosted events in partnership with Betsy McGregor to promote this timely project over the last two years.
Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power, by Besty McGregor, Rubicon Publishing, $34.95.
Andrew Cardozo is president of the Pearson Centre based in Ottawa.
