During the campaign, when specifically asked about balance on Regional Council, I cited this study (released in July 2018): Exclusion or interests? Why females in elected office reduce petty and grand corruption several times. I often paraphrased and repeated the line, “where there are more women, there is less corruption.”
The statement is a sweeping generalization, to be sure. The main argument (with respect to the exclusion theory) is that the presence of women disrupts long-established networks.
Though there are only eight women on what will be a 32-member Council, I am hopeful that – with a nearly 75% turnover in regional councillors throughout Niagara – the long-established networks have been thoroughly disrupted.
Laura Ip - Regional Councillor 