Members of the New Democratic Women of PEI met on October 17. It was a chance to congratulate and celebrate the four candidates – Margaret Andrade, Michelle Neill, Lynne Thiele and Lisa Bradshaw – who ran in the recent federal election and to discuss highlights and challenges they faced throughout the campaign. This was the first time since 1988 that the NDP has run an all-woman slate of candidates in a federal election.
Despite the challenges of a short campaign period and voters questioning the necessity of this election, the four NDP candidates gave it their all, raising the level of debate around issues such as affordable housing, resulting in an increase in the percentage of the popular vote that the party received in each riding.
Also at the meeting, time was spent discussing childcare policy and the recent federal-provincial agreement that should eventually result in 10$/day childcare. A committee was established to delve more deeply into childcare policy. Some initial discussion took place around the bi-annual Hilda Ramsay fundraiser, the proceeds of which support women candidates in provincial elections, and the a bursary for post-secondary students who are active in social justice.
These meetings are open to all women members of the New Democratic Party of PEI. The next meeting will take place at the Annual General Meeting on November 6th at noon, and is open to all women in the NDP-PEI.