By Conner Toffan

Bow Island local sees days of excitement, learning and controversy at Daughters of the Vote

Apr 9, 2019 | 4:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Rachel Grigg was one of 338 women from across Canada that participated in the Daughters of the Vote.

Grigg, from Bow Island but now in her fourth year of a political science major at the University of Calgary, represented Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner. The four day trip to Ottawa allowed delegates to advocate for issues in their community while visiting the House of Commons and get more women into politics.

“The whole point of the program is to encourage young women of all backgrounds to consider going into government because even though it is 2019 women are still under-represented at all levels of government,” said Grigg.

Occurring just after Jodie Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott were kicked out of caucus, the trip came in the midst of heavy political controversy.

This controversy was reacted to by the 338 delegates. Grigg witnessed many delegates walking out of Andrew Scheer’s speech, afterwards, upwards of 40 delegates turned their backs to Trudeau during his speech to make a statement on the state of Canadian politics.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

The statement was a diverse one. Grigg says there was plenty of diversity among the women from across Canada. she believes regardless of political opinion, they should have their voices heard.

“I was proud of those who walked out of the protest, I was proud of those who turned their backs and I was proud of those who stayed seated because in my Canada women’s voices matter no matter how they express themselves and we should support all those points of views,” said Grigg.

Being in the House of Commons during such historic moments is something she will never forget.

“It was an exciting time to be in Ottawa and to feel like we were there during an important moment in Canadian history.”

But Grigg hopes that the controversy doesn’t overshadow the purpose of the program.

“Hopefully it will have a positive impact on policies regarding women as well as policies regarding indigenous issues, mental illness, really a variety of issues that my fellow delegates brought up in (the delegates) speeches.”

Coming from the small community of Bow Island, Grigg never thought she’d make it to the House of Commons.

“I think it was a great opportunity for kids from rural area’s to look at and see just because you’re from a small town doesn’t mean things aren’t possible.”

Learning wasn’t limited to the ins and outs of politics for Grigg. She also saw that political involvement is essential and that anyone can become involved.

“Politics is not so out of reach. That even if you think running as a candidate or even entering politics from behind the scenes seems out of reach, seems impossible, that someone else can do it but I can never do it, it’s really not,” said Grigg, “this program taught me that should I ever decide to run, I have the power to do it.”

The program was originally created in 2017 to celebrate 100 years of women’s right to vote.

“It was once unthinkable for a woman to sit in the house of commons and I’m just honoured to be able to represent my home riding in Ottawa.”