Concerns are being raised after Saskatchewan saw the number of women in its legislature drop following last week's provincial election.
Only 10 of 58 seats in the legislature are held by women. The proportion of female MLAs dropped to 17 per cent from 22 per cent in 2007.
"In Saskatchewan we're seeing the numbers decline," said former NDP MLA Sandra Morin, who lost her seat in the Nov. 7 election.
"This is a serious concern."
The co-chair of Equal Voice Saskatchewan, a new organization dedicated to getting more women elected in every level of government, agrees that the drop in female representation in the legislature is troubling.
"Women see the issues differently than men do," said Monica Lysack.
"They have different priorities, and those issues aren't being represented."
She says there is a general lack of interest in politics among women, and that they don't feel welcome.
However, Government Services Minister Laura Ross points out that two new Saskatchewan Party MLAs were elected in Saskatoon and Prince Albert last week.
"Our representatives cover a wide geographical area, so we have, I think, a good opportunity to touch base with women across the province," Ross said.
Still, she admits it would be nice to see more women in provincial politics.
"I'd like to see more women colleagues, but the important part is finding the most capable and qualified people to seek public office," Ross said.
Equal Voice says it will be asking all political parties to commit to a strategy to recruit more female candidates.
Based on a report by Melanie Davidson, CTV Regina
