Interview With Anita Neville1. What does being a woman involved in politics mean to you?

It is important that there be more woman in the backroom, as you probably know only about 20% of politicians in Canada are female. It is a privilege and opportunity to get the chance to bring my experiences forward.

2. What inspired you to get involved in politics?

I am what you would call an accidental politician, as many politicians are. I started of locally when my kids were in school and being cut off from bussing. I started to lobby with other parents to get their bussing back. After that I was talked into running school board and was elected as School Board Trustee. I didn’t really plan on getting any further involved until the Liberals approached me in 1995 for the Provincial election which I was not successful in. I was reluctant in getting involved because I was not sure if this is how I wanted to live.

Interview with Anita Neville

3. Have any previous politicians inspired you in your involvement in politics?

I always sort of had an interest in politics; we did a lot of mock activities in high school involving both men and woman in different roles which really inspired me; Jack Kennedy, Martin Luther King, John Defeinbaker, Duff Roblin Pierre Elliot Trudeau. There were not a lot of woman to be intrigued by, but defiantly Flora McDonnell and Charlotte Whitman.

4. If more woman were involved in politics what impact do you think that it would have?

It would change behaviour and some of the bully boy name calling. Women may prioritize issues differently.

5. What does your position as the Liberal Party critic for the status of women entail?

A lot of work. I am currently on a trip in Vancouver on stopping violence against aboriginal females. I am on various Committees such as Economic Well Being, Women in Non-traditional Trades. I am an advocate with the government so notice and attention is not just given to female politicians for the party’s advantage.

Interview with Anita Neville

6. Do you think woman need to work harder than men to be respected in a political position?

No question. More woman should be valued for what they can do. If you look at Harper’s portfolio, the woman tend to have more junior portfolios. More woman should be valued for the diversity of their experiences.

7. Have you ever felt like you have been treated differently at any time in your political career because of your gender?

No question. No question. Defiantly by the nature of assignments and the comments made. I don’t want to be specific, but just the other day someone said, “It is amazing that a grandmother could accomplish this.”

Interview with Anita Neville 8. Other countries are setting up quotas and incentives to get woman involved in

politics, do you think this is something Canada should consider?

I think incentives are a good way forward, I don’t necessarily agree with quotas. NDP’s are the most successful in this. Liberals have made a commitment that one third of their candidates are female. The Conservatives have not made any commitment. Financial incentives are something I think could be given, like more money back from tax rebates if they have more.

9. Do you have any advice for women who want to get involved in politics?

Get involved. Get involved at any party at any level. You can walk on the street, canvassing, writing brochures or through electronic activities. Getting involved with specific events for politics or meeting with politicians. I often, not always get young females coming into my office and asking how they can get involved. You can also follow women on Face Book or Twitter.