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Female candidates take the lead in Halton ridingBy Andrew Wallacenearly 8,000 votes. TORONTO STARLiberal candidate Connie Bowie-Laurin thinks women are invested in so many com-Green Party candidate Judi Remigio didntmunity issues in Halton that its only natural understand part of the question at the all-can-for them to get political.didates debate in Halton. Shes new to thePat Heroux, a grandmother and the NDP political game.candidate in the riding, was tired of listening Liberal candidate Connie Bowie-Laurinto people complain and decided to try to leaned over and helped her out.change things for herself.If thats not a picture of women cooperat-When I raised my children, it wasnt ing, I dont know what is, Remigio said.accepted for women to go out and be busy at In Halton, the Green, Liberal, Conservativemeetings in the evening, she said, noting that and NDP candidates for the federal election arehaving three female rivals is a marvellous all women. It is one of two ridings in the GTA change from 30 years ago.ANDREW WALLACE / TORONTO STARwhere sisters are doin it for themselves.For first-time candidate Remigio, its very MAY THE BEST WOMAN WIN: The female candidates of Halton, from left: ConnieEtobicoke North also has its major parties rep-supportive.Bowie-Laurin (Liberal), Pat Heroux (NDP), Judi Remigio (Green) and Lisa Raittresented by females.We all know what were doing is nerve-(Conservative).In Halton, its meant fewer personal attacks,wracking, she says. Im seeing some really were women, according to Equal Voice.thats your responsibility. You have to investand more policy discussion. The debate waslovely co-operation.The organization that aims to rectify the yourself and you have to believe in yourself.very civilized and pleasant said MarleneThe lone male in the race is Tony Rodrigues, gender imbalance in the House of Commons In 2008, Raitt defeated Liberal candidateBristol, the president of the Oakville branch of of Halton Hills, who represents the Christian has seen more clusters of female candidates in Garth Turner to take the Halton riding bythe Canadian Federation of University Women,Heritage Party.the 2011 election than ever before. In the GTA, the debate co-organizer.22 out of the 47 ridings have two or more Bristol would know. A few days after thewomen as candidates.Halton debate, her organization hosted aIt appears theres a tipping point in many debate in the Oakville riding, where all theridings; if you get one or two women running, candidates are men.chances are good you might get three, said I suppose there was some mudslinging,executive director Nancy Peckford.the nastier side of politics, Bristol said. It wasThe problem is getting women to want to very entertaining but I dont think we learnedtake that step forward, said Lisa Raitt, the as much.Conservative candidate in Halton. Women are In the 2011 campaign, 31 per cent of thevery risk-averse, and putting your name for-candidates are female, which is a slight increaseApply knowledge creativelyward is tough. Writing cheques for printing, from 2008, when 28 per cent of candidatesto your career and your life.Youve got goals. Whether you want to build onyour current skills, embark on a new career, or simply try something new, Sheridans Continuing Educationcourses and credentials can help you reach them. Choose from over 800 courses eitheronline or conveniently located in Oakville,Mississauga and Brampton.Plan now to attend ourAugust Open House!Community Living OakvilleAugust 16 (7 p.m.) Oakville campusCordially invites you to attend ourAugust 18 (7 p.m.) Brampton campusDetails on our website!Chair Affair Fundraising EventFriday May 6th, 2011~ ~FEATURINGDinner and Live Auction of BeautifulMuskoka Chairs Painted by Local Artists{ ????iU??`?i? ??U? ?>???i?e Dome Banquet HallCONTINUING1173 North Service Rd. East, Oakville www.ledome.caEDUCATION /?V?ixii??>Li?vʣ`?ViV?>?o order tickets, please call:Spring classes begin the week of April 25! Tina Christie at 905 844-0146, ext. 239 www.oakcl.orgRegister today!goals.sheridancollege.caPlatinum Sponsor:Community Living Oakville - Supporting Full Community Participation for People with Developmental Disabilities 15 Wednesday, April 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com