Is There a "Glass Ceiling" for Women in Politics???

It is September 2007 and there are two elections hovering on the political horizon. Saskatchewan's Lorne Calvert may risk all and call a provincial election this fall, and Canada's P.M. could decide to take his chances with the wavering electorate as the Opposition falters. Do you think women stand a better chance of being elected this time around, or is it to be more of the same with greater than fifty percent of Canada's population remaining under represented in the House of Commons, and our own Saskatchewan Legislature? I think it is important for women to be more fairly represented, but they face many challenges when they do win their constituency nomination, and that is only the beginning. Time, money, support, image, opportunities, all have to be used to the max to enable women to succeed on the political playing field. Often women are criticized the most by other women. While I would like to see more women running for office, I feel that the best way to go is to work their way up in the political party of their choice, and gain experience and visibility along the way, not parachute into a riding, or push aside another candidate to satisfy the numbers. On October 10th, Ontario voters will vote in their Provincial election. In an article by Colin Perkel in the Kingston Whig Standard, Sept. 19th 2007, he comments on the referendum on electoral reform that voters will have before them in the election. Perkel writes, "proposed changes to how Ontario elects its politicians will invariably mean more women, visible minorities and even young people find their way into provincial politics, advocates say- an outcome that critics counter is far from assured." While there are differences in the Ontario referendum from what is usually understood about proportional representation, it is a start. What do you think? Obviously the system has to change so a larger number of women and minorities have a chance at being elected. Will such a proposal face Saskatchewan voters anytime soon? I would like to think we might be so enlightened!