By Katherine Hackett
Bishop’s University students always find various ways to positively represent the institution and its community. Every two years, 338 women from each Canadian federal riding represent their community at Daughter of the Vote, an initiative run by Equal Voices. It is a four-day intensive program compiled of workshops, speakers, panels, and networking with inspiring women from all over Canada.
The 2021 edition, which occurred from March 5th to March 8th, saw three Bishop’s students joining the event: Maia Lugar, Carrie Robinson, and Evelyne Verrette. These three BU students applied and were selected to represent their specific riding: Maia represented her home riding in Halifax, Carrie in Niagara Falls, and Evelyne in Trois-Rivières. Maia Lugar, a fourth-year student pursuing an Honours in Political Studies and a major in International Studies, is involved with the Jeux de Sciences Politique (JDSP), Model United Nations, and is this year’s President of the Politics and International Studies Association (PISA). Carrie Robinson is currently in her third year at BU completing an Honours in International Studies and a minor in religion and is involved with PISA, standing as the association’s communications director. Finally, Evelyne Verrette, a second year Honouring in Economics and majoring in International Political Economy who has also completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Bishop’s, is a tutor at the French Help Centre since September 2020. She has also been a member of the running club for several years and is involved with the peer tutoring program.
Throughout this four-day conference, these Bishop’s students expressed their gratitude in hearing various influential women in Canadian politics, such as the former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, the Honourable Jean Augustine, Member of Parliament Megan Leslie, and many others.
Maia, Carrie, and Evelyne had the opportunity to sit in mock committees. Maia sat on a committee that discussed the Implementation of Mi’kmaq Treaty Fishing Rights to Support a Moderate Livelihood. As for Carrie, she was in the Canadian Heritage Committee, which discussed the effects of COVID-19 on Canadian Heritage. Evelyne had the opportunity to be on the committee that tackled the pre-Budget consultation ahead of the 2021 Budget.
These three students all expressed how grateful they were to be able to participate in the Daughter of the Vote. They stated that they would recommend all women interested in politics to apply, as it is an exceptional experience where you make lifelong connections.
